Aviation Ministry Speeds Up NOC Process
Rammohan Naidu directs officials to simplify, automate and decentralise clearances within 15 days
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 2nd Sept: Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu on Wednesday reviewed measures to simplify and streamline the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and directed officials to take necessary action within 15 days.
Naidu held a meeting with senior officials of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to discuss measures aimed at improving Ease of Doing Business in the civil aviation sector.
The Minister stressed the need for a hassle-free, transparent and automated NOC process with minimal manual intervention. The proposed changes are intended to assist the public, societies, builders and industry while ensuring that aviation safety requirements continue to be met.
Officials discussed the feasibility of providing permissible or identified building heights to applicants at the initial stage, particularly in metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad. The move would help applicants plan construction according to applicable height restrictions.
The meeting also reviewed the process for Aeronautical Studies. Officials considered simplifying and expediting approvals, including reducing the requirement for physical site verification at the initial stage and rationalising the submission of Building Development Plans and other documents.
NOCAS coverage under review
The geographical coverage of the No Objection Certificate Application System (NOCAS) was also examined.
NOCAS currently covers areas within 20 km for Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations and 56 km for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations. The meeting considered whether NOCs could be issued at the Urban Local Body level wherever feasible, reducing the need for individuals and industries to approach AAI directly.
Naidu directed officials to examine the proposed measures and work out modalities for simplifying, automating and decentralising the NOC process. Necessary action has been set for completion within 15 days.
The Minister said relevant data and permissible height information should be made transparently available in the public domain, including through websites. He emphasised that faster and more predictable clearances must be achieved without compromising aviation safety.
The ministry said the reforms are expected to facilitate infrastructure and development projects and support investment, economic activity and employment generation.
