Jairam says no to private helipads

India’s tycoons may not get helipads on top of their homes as Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh has shot down the idea saying it “violates” permissible noise limits.

India’s tycoons may not get helipads on top of their homes as Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh has shot down the idea saying it “violates” permissible noise limits.

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Business magnates such as Mukesh Ambani, Anil Ambani and Oberoi Builders in Mumbai had sought permission for construction of helipads for their private use.

“It’s a strict no-no for a new private helipad as they violate noise norms,” Ramesh said. “Only government-owned helipads for emergency services will be given clearance from my ministry.” The minister’s policy will be applicable only to new helipads.

The government will not allow public sector helipads to be used for private purpose. “Except for strategic reasons or emergencies, we will not allow use of helipads for any other purpose,” he said, after meeting Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan over environment clearance for new Navi Mumbai airport and building top helipads.

Ramesh made it clear that his ministry has no problem, if the helipads are used for medical emergency or security related issues. “But any private helipad for private use or for that matter even for public use will not be allowed,” he added.

Bringing climate negotiations into the helipad issue, the minister said the notion of having private helipads does not make any sense when India was talking about equity and equitable access to atmospheric space.