Construction of wall needed for airport's security: DIAL to HC

Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) has moved the Delhi High Court to restrain anyone from interfering in construction of a boundary wall at IGI airport here, saying the airfield has been perceived as an "important target" after Pathankot airbase attack in January this year.

In an application, DIAL has said that boundary wall would add "another line of defence" in the security of Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport which falls under the category of "hyper-sensitive" airport.

Bodies of four terrorists were found after a counter- operation by the Indian forces at the Pathankot air base in January this year.

DIAL has alleged that construction work of the wall has been stopped due to violent protests by residents of village Shahbad Mohammadpur, which is near to the airport, despite the fact that construction was exclusively on the airport land.
 
"It is pertinent to mention that the IGI airport falls under the category of hyper-sensitive airport and has been perceived as an important target by terrorist organisations especially after the attack on the air base at Pathankot," it said.

A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal has asked the association, representing the village, and authorities concerned to file their reply to DIAL's application.

The bench has fixed the matter for hearing on October 17.

DIAL has said that safety and security of IGI airport was paramount as it is a highly sensitive area.

"The boundary wall on the perimeter of the IGI airport is being built exclusively on the airport land and not on land belonging to any other authority or private land," it said, adding, "The wall will also prevent any encroachment on the airport land."

It has sought the court's direction to restrain anyone from interfering or obstructing with construction of boundary wall along the operational wall of IGI airport. It has also pleaded the HC to restrain anyone from encroaching on the airport land.

It has also sought a direction to the police station concerned to take appropriate steps for ensuring completion of the outer boundary wall.