Air India Tragedy Spurs New Aviation Rules

A week has passed since the devastating Air India crash in Ahmedabad, and authorities are making significant strides in victim identification. DNA samples of 210 victims have matched with their families, and 187 bodies have been released, according to Gujarat Minister of Health, Rushikesh Patel. He confirmed this on social media platform X, highlighting ongoing efforts to return all mortal remains to the bereaved families.

In an unrelated but timely initiative, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has proposed stricter regulations to ensure airspace safety. These draft rules, titled Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions) Rules, 2025, aim to empower authorities to take immediate action against hazardous structures exceeding height limits in aerodrome areas. Once published in the Official Gazette, these rules will become enforceable.

The proposed regulations detail the authority's power to serve notices to violators and demand detailed structural information within a stipulated timeframe. Non-compliance could lead to drastic measures such as demolition. Officers are also granted entry rights for physical inspections. Non-cooperation can escalate the issue to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation for resolution. This proactive step is designed to mitigate potential flight path obstructions and enhance aircraft safety nationwide.

(With inputs from agencies.)