Mangalore Airport lacks fire department NoC

Mangalore Airport lacks fire department NoC

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, May 28:  The tragic plane crash of May 22, which claimed 158 lives, has brought to light a number of disturbing facts about Mangalore International Airport. 

According to official sources, the Mangalore International Airport’s new terminal building still does not have the fire department’s no-objection certificate (NoC). In spite of this, Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel inaugurated the building on May 15.  

The sophisticated new structure, which will be functional from June, has not incorporated the fire department’s suggestions to change the designs of its basic fire fighting equipment. Fire department sources have revealed that the Mangalore Airports Authority of India has installed ordinary pipes, which might corrode faster because the airport is located close to the sea, in spite of the department’s insistence that it install copper-coated GIC standard pipes. Sources point out that, in case of corrosion, free flow of water will not be possible in times of distress. Peter Abraham, the manager of Mangalore Airport, said that the “issue will be finalized next week.”  

In spite of political pressure, the fire department has not issued a no-objection certificate to the new terminal.