NEW DELHI, Aug. 26— The Prime Minister’s house at 7, Race Course Road has been declared out of bound for all aircraft for purposes of over flight.

This has been done following an advice to this effect by the Ministry of Home Affairs which is of the view that banning of over flights in the area is necessary for reasons of security.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has amended the Indian Aircraft Rules, 1937, and notified detailed restrictions for the purpose.

As per rules, the proposed amendments to the Indian Aircraft Rules were notified in the official gazette notification some time ago inviting objections or suggestions from members of the public. A total period of 45 days — was given for purposes of receiving objections. Therefore, the amendment was effected.

While the Prime Minister’s house is not in the flight path of national or international passenger aircraft, the decision is likely to affect the movement of planes belonging to the Aero Club of India and the Delhi Flying Club both of which operate their planes from the adjacent Safdar jung Airport. The movement of gliders belonging to the Delhi Gliding Club will also be affected by the decision.

Apart from the Prime Minister’s house, over flight has also been banned within a 10 km radius of Mathura refinery and certain parts of Bhuvanesnwar on the advice of the Air Force.

Banning of over flights at a large number of places being used by the Defense Ministry departments some time ago had kicked off a row between the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Civil Aviation. While the former insisted on continuation of the ban, the latter pleaded against it for reasons of economy.

Indian Airlines, in particular, is believed to have argued that due to restrictions of over flights in a number of locations, Indian Airlines had to burn more fuel taking circuitous route. The Airlines argument was supported by the National Airports Authority of India which also recommended lifting of the ban on use of airspaces.

The Government, however, upheld the Defense Ministry arguments and ban on a number of airspaces continue.

Article extracted from this publication >> September 9, 1988