Overview

• Mayor Firhad Hakim has ordered the KMC’s Building Department to suspend approvals for new high-rises within a 20-kilometre radius of the airport.
• Municipal bodies in Madhyamgram, Bidhannagar, North Dumdum, South Dumdum and New Town have been directed to enforce the freeze.
• The moratorium spares projects with existing clearances and bars new permissions for buildings taller than 25.5 metres.
• The Airports Authority of India already requires clearance for high-rises within 25 kilometres and the civil aviation ministry has published draft rules on obstruction demolition.
• Officials say the hold will remain until formal notification clarifies permissible building heights under the forthcoming aviation guidelines.