Private helipads for Mumbaikars?

It began with the Ambanis. Now several others in Mumbai want their own helipad. Here's a list of those who have applied for permission, the Mumbai Mirror reported this morning.
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Mumbai has always had a problem with traffic jams. Going by the number of proposals awaiting clearance for helipads with the fire department, it would seem that our skies too will be buzzing with four-lane traffic.

Undaunted by the Rs 4 crore needed to build a helipad (as reported by this newspaper earlier, just the cost of hiring a crane that can reach the top of a sky-scrapper is Rs one lakh a day), corporate honchos are queuing up to get their own chopper service starting from their door-step.

The BMC is waiting for a go-ahead from the state government on these proposals. Once that comes through, there will be copters parked atop several buildings across the city. Here's a list of all those who have applied for permission:

Anil Ambaniu00a0
At the top of the waiting list is Anil Ambani. He has submitted a proposal to BMC body for a helipad at Sea Wind, his Cuffe Parade residence. They have already erected the structure and are waiting for a clearance from the state government Urban Development Department and the BMC. However, the local residents object to the idea, they say the helipad will lead to sound pollution in the entire area.
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Mukesh Ambaniu00a0
Mukesh Ambani's new home is a 27-floor building, Antilia. Along with other state of the art facilities, Mukesh Ambani wants a helipad on its rooftop. In the structural plan, Ambani has submitted the helipad plan too. Once the building is ready, the BMC will give them the necessary permission for the helipad.
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Gautam Singhaniau00a0
Gautam Singhania, Chairman & MD, Raymond, has a passion for fast cars, fighter jets and speedboats. An astute businessman with a need for speed, Singhania has redefined the concept of The Complete Man. Now, The Complete Man must have a helipad too. He recently submitted the proposal for helipad to BMC.
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Marathon Future Xu00a0
Mayur Shah, MD of Marathon Group, also wants a helipad atop his 28-storey building at Lower Parel. He wants to purchase choppers to start a commercial service too. Earlier too he had applied for permission for a helipad for Marathon Heights in Worli, in 1999, but had not received clearance from the civil aviation ministry.
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Taj Wellington Mewsu00a0
Ratan Tata has obtained part clearance from DGCA for a rooftop helipad on the Taj Wellington Mews, the luxury residences in Colaba, owned by the Tata Group. The helipad has been constructed and is ready for use. Only the final permission from BMC remains.
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Vicky Oberoiu00a0
If this comes through, it will be first private helipad in the western suburbs, constructed atop the 32-storey hotel that the group is constructing on its Goregaon east property on Western Express Highway. The Oberoi Group says it wants the helipad for the convenience of its hotel guests. They have received permission from the Ministry of Environment and Forests and now awaiting clearances from Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the BMC.
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Mantralayau00a0
One for the babus too. The state government has proposed the construction of a helipad atop its upcoming twin towers for ministers at Nariman Point. Bipin Sankhe, the chief architect of the state government, says the Cabinet has approved the proposal and soon they will obtain certificate from the aviation ministry and the BMC. It will be used by the ministers and administrators in times of emergency.
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Asian Heart Institute, BKC
The hospital has launched an air ambulance service to fly in patients requiring emergency medical treatment and they want a helipad at BKC.The institute has tied up with Bafna Aviation and has leased a helicopter which can be used to fly in patients from rural areas. Dr Akil Khan, project consultant in the institute said now their helicopter lands at Juhu airport or the Mahalaxmi race course. They've asked the MMRDA to allow them to construct a helipad at BKC or atop the Institute.
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Reliance Hospital, Andheri Westu00a0
The 19-storey Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research Institute has applied for a helipad for the convenience of its patients.
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Government Colony, Bandrau00a0
The state government has decided to set up a super-speciality hospital at the new Government Colony. The construction plan of the hospital, along with a plan of a proposed helipad, has been recently passed by the state Cabinet.
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Essar Group, near Race Course
The Essar group had already constructed a helipad on its massive rooftop to operate flights for its top executives from its corporate office. The company's contention is that this will save executives' time. They are awaiting permission.
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Hindustan Construction Company in Vikhroliu00a0
Hindustan Construction Company Ltd (HCCL) has signed up with Starwood Hotels and Resorts International to manage two hotel properties at the upcoming Lavasa township near Pune. For the convenience of their customers, they want a private helipad at Vikhroli. They have submitted the plan and are awaiting clearance.
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Nariman Pointu00a0
The Nariman Point Association has submitted a proposal to the state government for a makeover of the Nariman Point area. Car parking facilities will be increased and compound walls of 23 buildings will be demolished to make more space and a food court will be erected. This business district too has applied for permission for a helipad for the convenience of businessmen.u00a0
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How to get a helipad?
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u2022 Permission for the construction of a helipad depends on the height, safety features and structural stability of the building on which it is proposed to be built.
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u2022 The distance of the building which proposes to have the helipad, from other structures in the area, is very important.
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u2022 A building situated in a congested neighbourhood obviously cannot have a helipad. The convenience of people staying or working around the building, is an important factor to be considered.
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u2022 The state's environment department had almost completed a survey to ascertain the tolerable noise levels for helipads in residential zones.
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u2022 The developer must get environmental clearance from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and ensure provision of proper fire-fighting equipment at the site. An NOC is required from the fire department
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u2022 Most importantly, a clearance from the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation is mandatory.
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Main hurdle clearedu00a0
Using the provisions under Section 154 of the Development Control (DC) rules (that allows the government to issue directives to a civic body in public interest), The Urban Development department has amended the directives, which will soon be sent to the BMC. Earlier, there was no clear provision for giving permission for private helipads under the DC rule. Now, with the amendment in DC rule, BMC can give permission, is if deems fit.
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Noisier Mumbai?
Meanwhile environmentalists say that the proposed helipads will increase the noise levels considerably in the city. Residents need to be taken into consideration, when giving permission for helipads to be constructed on private rooftops.

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