Parts of buildings near TIA should be torn down: Report

Kathmandu, December 24

A report submitted to the Office of Kathmandu Metropolitan City has recommended the metropolis to demolish parts of six high-rise buildings, which have raised concerns among aviation authorities over potential risks they could pose to fight safety in Koteshwor area.

More than three dozens buildings are too near the Tribhuvan International Airport. A study team led by Engineer Bir Bahadur Khadka submitted a 30-page report to metropolis chief Rudra Singh Tamang today, recommending that parts of six buildings be demolished.

According to the report, some parts of these buildings exceed the Obstacle Limitation Surface.

The 36-member team had carried out on-site inspection and supervision of 39 building in Koteshwor area to ascertain if they were constructed as per the National Building Code.

“Parts of the six buildings exceed the OLS and thus should be demolished. Four buildings are within critical zone and they should not be permitted to add storey or other structures.

Rest of the buildings are above the ground level within the OLS and do not pose risk to flight safety,” read the report.

An obsession for high-rises around the only international of the country has put the aviation safety is at stake, said officials.

A KMC official said the metropolis will set a time-frame for owners to demolish parts of their buildings on their own as recommended by the report. “If they fail to comply with KMC directives, we will demolish them ourselves,” he warned.