'Aerocity project will pose security threat'

The fate of nearly a dozen hotels, which are scheduled to come up at Aerocity, near Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), is now in the dark with the Delhi Police raising objections. The police fear it could pose security threat. Faizan Haider reports.

The fate of nearly a dozen hotels, which are scheduled to come up at Aerocity, near Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), is now in the dark with the Delhi Police raising objections. The police fear it could pose security threat.

HT Image

Delhi Police have conducted a security audit and found that once constructed, the hotels would be security hazard due to its proximity to runway.

"We have written a letter to Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), asking them whether they have taken security clearance from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) before initialising the project. The hospitality district falls within 150 metre area and is a big security hazard," said RA Sanjeev, DCP (airport).

Airport sources said the ongoing construction work can be stalled as Delhi Police have taken up the matter with the ministry of home affairs (MHA).

"They are the land-owning agency and should have thought of the security aspect before starting construction. We as police know the range of arms," said a senior police officer, requesting anonymity.

Delhi Police in its letter to DIAL has also asked whether the workers at the construction sites are verified are not.

Sources said Delhi Police have conducted two security audits before conducting the recent one and has intimated DIAL.

"The decision to construct the hotels metres away from runway was taken five years back, but now we feel that after the completion it will raise security concern. We can verify the construction workers but checking every person coming to the hotels would be an additional responsibility," the officer further said.

DIAL had plan for the 45-acre hospitality district, which included hotels of all ranges - from budget to ultra luxury - with plot sizes ranging from 1.6 acres (for budget) to a 7.7 acre plot for a huge conference hotel.

DIAL had planned to raise R2,750 crore from the hospitality district in 2008, as it was allowed for commercial development at 5% area of 5,000 acre land. "The construction in is being undertaken with statutory approvals of appropriate authority," said a DIAL spokesperson.