‘Bar on constructions around 149 defence establishments in JK’

Union Defence Ministry has disclosed that there are security restrictions on construction activities around 149 defence establishments/installations in Jammu and Kashmir, official documents in possession of Kashmir Post reveal.
Of these, 142 installations are in the Northern Command while remaining seven stations are in the Western Command.
The Union Defence Ministry, in October this year, unveiled new guidelines for granting “No Objection Certificate for building constructions” around military installations. In all other states barring J&K, the restrictions are now applicable only up to 10 meters from the outer wall of defence establishments.
In a letter (F.110261212011/D (Lands)dated October 21, 2016), the Union Defence Ministry has communicated to chiefs of all three defence services that security restrictions shall apply up to 100 meters from the outer wall of 149 defence establishments/ installations-all of which are located in J&K.
“Security restrictions in respect of Defence establishments/ installations located at 149 stations shall apply up to 100 meters from the outer wall of such Defence establishments/ installations to maintain clear line of sight for effective surveillance,” reads the letter shot by G.C. Srivastav, Deputy Director, Lands, and Defence Ministry.
As per the guidelines, no construction or repair activity shall be allowed within 50 meters from the outer wall of these 149 stations. However, all construction or repair activities within such restricted zone between 50 to 100 meters will require prior No Objection Certificate (NoC) from the Local Military Authority (LMA)/ Defence establishments, the guidelines read.
“Further, a height restriction of 03 meters (one Storey) shall be applicable for the distance from 50 meters to 100 meters,” the new guidelines reveal.
Of these installations, 54 are in Kashmir while 38 and 57 stations are respectively in Ladakh and Jammu.
Alone, 36 such installations are in North Kashmir’s Baramulla, Bandipora and Kupwara which have large concentration of forces.
As already reported, in 2010, the Indian Air Force raised objections over construction activities at SIDCO Industrial Estate at Ompora Budgam, citing security concerns.
Apart from setting up of units for entrepreneurs there, the land has also been already earmarked for setting up of National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and a Software Technology Park (STP).
“It is being observed that a concrete building is being constructed very close to the security wall of Air Force Station. The said construction is in the approach path of aircraft taking off /landing at this base. Since the entire complex is in the approach path of aircrafts, therefore it will have serious ramification for flight safety and aircraft security. Any habitation on the immediate approach path will invite birds like kites which are major flight safety hazards,” read a communique from the Air Force to Divisional Commissioner Kashmir.