Gujarat Government Issues Directives To Keep All Helipads In 'Operational Condition'

The Gujarat government has issued explicit guidelines to ensure that all existing helipads across the state remain continuously functional and fit for immediate use.

The directives, issued through an official circular by the Roads and Buildings Department under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, establish a formal monitoring mechanism for helipad maintenance. The measure aims to support emergency response logistics, medical evacuations, disaster relief operations, and VIP movement, including visits by the Prime Minister and Chief Minister.

Mandatory Inspections And Structural Upkeep

Under the new regulatory protocol, field officials must conduct routine evaluations to maintain operational readiness:

• Quarterly Site Inspections: Superintending Engineers are required to complete mandatory site inspections of every helipad within their jurisdiction at least once every three months.
• Direct Executive Oversight: Executive Engineers hold primary responsibility for verifying that landing sites remain in an 'operational condition' without interruption.
• Immediate Maintenance: Any structural deficiencies or repair requirements identified during inspections must be rectified without delay.

The circular mandates regular upkeep covering surface conditions, pavement integrity, painted markings, drainage systems, and peripheral approach routes.

Enforcement Against Encroachments

To prevent operational hazards, local authorities must continuously monitor and clear helipads and surrounding zones of obstructions.

The directive explicitly targets the removal of unauthorized encroachments, temporary structures, stored materials, parked vehicles, debris, and wild vegetation. Additionally, non-functional or seized vehicles deposited by government departments at these sites must be cleared immediately to maintain unhindered access during emergency landings.