05 March,2009 08:48 AM IST | | Agencies
The Union Environment Ministry is amending norms on constructions near the coast to allow helipads on skyrises, the Hindustan Times reported today.
The ministry will amend the Coastal Zone Regulation (CRZ), 1991 - rules that govern development in coastal areas - to allow the helipads, provided the structure meets the necessary requirements.
However, helipads for commercial purposes will not be allowed and directions have been issued to ensure that noise levels are within prescribed limits. Government agencies will need permission from local communities before constructing the helipads.
With the amended CRZ-II the police would be able to have 24x7 aerial surveillance -- a third line of defence along the coast. The other two lines of coastal security are the navy and coast guard.u00a0
"We decided to alter the regulations after we got a large number of proposals for helipads in coastal areas for security and to tackle natural disasters," said AV Senthil, additional director, Environment Ministry.
The notification, issued last week, said respective states' Coastal Management Authorities would clear helipads costing less than Rs 5 crore. Environment Ministry clearance would be required for those costing more.
