Objection to private helipads in Mumbai

22nd July 2009

Honble Chief Minister Shri Ashok Chavan,
State of Maharashtra,
Mantralaya,
Mumbai.

Honble Chief Minister Shri Ashok Chavan,

Subject: Private helipads in Mumbai
Reference: Articles in todays daily newspapers DNA and Times of India regarding clearance by UDD of private helipads on rooftops and at ground level in Mumbai; amendment of Development Control Regulations to permit private helipads.

I request your personal intervention to ensure that the Urban Development Department (UDD) does not jeopardise the health of citizens living in Mumbai by permitting private helipads in congested areas of Mumbai including silence and residential zones. Such a measure, while benefitting a few, would be detrimental to the health and well being of most citizens of the city.

I have measured noise levels from helicopters. At a distance of 15 metres (the distance which the UDD has mandated as the required distance from buildings) the noise levels are in excess of 110dB. This would be further amplified by the echo from buildings surrounding the area when helipads are situated at ground level; noise from such helipads can reach dangerously high levels and can result in permanent damage to health.

When a helicopter lands, at the Juhu airfield a small aircraft is not permitted to land immediately thereafter in the same space. This is to avoid the strong air currents generated in the wake of the helicopter. When helicopters are permitted to land on the ground in the small open spaces between dense buildings, the strong air currents generated would be detrimental to all the neighbouring residents who would fall within the flight path. Further, the vibrations from landing would have an effect on all buildings within a certain radius and might actually render them unsafe.

In particular, the location of Mukesh Ambanis Antilla renders it clearly unsuitable for construction of 3 helipads. Not only is Antilla situated in a densely populated residential area where senior citizens reside, it is also close to Jaslok Hospital and to several nursing homes where seriously ill patients are admitted.

I am in touch with residents of the areas around the first few proposed private helipads and they have expressed their deep concern and fear regarding the effect on their health. Citizens from other areas of Mumbai have also expressed their concern that private helipads may be permitted in their areas. Noise in excess of the statutory health based Noise Rules (prescribed by the World Health Organization as 55dB in a Residential Zone) has a severe impact and can cause high blood pressure, lack of concentration, heart disease and severe irritation in addition to hearing loss. I appeal to you to ensure that private helipads in residential areas which would so adversely affect citizens are not permitted.

On behalf of Awaaz Foundation and several other citizens groups and individual citizens across Mumbai city who are concerned with the effect that permissions for private helipads would have on their residential areas, I request an appointment on any date convenient to you where these concerns may be discussed in person.

Thank you and with regards

Sumaira Abdulali