The Bengaluru chapter of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (Credai) has raised alarms regarding the city’s municipal corporation mandating a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Government Flying Training School (GFTS) at Jakkur. This certificate is essential for granting approvals like commencement and occupancy certificates for residential projects.
Credai argues that this requirement could significantly delay and complicate the residential real estate sector in Bengaluru, which is vital for the city’s ongoing housing development efforts.
In a communication directed to Karnataka’s urban development department’s additional chief secretary, Credai Bengaluru questioned the necessity of the NOC, noting the current operational status of the flying school in North Bengaluru.
“The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the licensing authority, has not renewed GFTS, Jakkur’s license since December 2023,” the letter states. “Additionally, the DGCA has highlighted various safety concerns regarding operations at GFTS, such as a shorter runway and outdated equipment. Therefore, it is unreasonable to expect GFTS to issue a valid NOC under these conditions,” it continues.
Credai noted that GFTS has not convened any meetings for several months, meaning no official NOC has been, or will be, issued. This absence of authorization has resulted in considerable project delays.
“Developers are increasingly facing obstacles as their projects remain stalled due to this procedural deadlock,” stated a senior official from Credai. The absence of clear bylaws mandating a GFTS NOC under the regulations of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) further exacerbates these delays, according to builders.
Safety issues are a paramount aspect of Credai’s argument against the NOC requirement. The residential and commercial developments surrounding GFTS include dense infrastructure such as shopping malls, schools, hospitals, and transport systems, including airport flyovers and metro lines.
Credai warned that these developments could be at risk due to the safety hazards tied to GFTS’s limited and outdated operational capabilities.
The letter pleads with the Karnataka Urban Development Department to instruct BBMP to eliminate the NOC requirement.
“As Bengaluru’s residential market continues to grow to meet increasing demand, administrative obstacles stemming from unclear and outdated requirements create harmful uncertainties for all stakeholders,” remarked the managing director of a Bengaluru-based real estate development firm.
