Mumbai:
The Navy wants to cancel flying permissions for the helipad atop Mukesh and Anil Ambani's current home Seawind at Cuffe Parade in Mumbai, and the helipad on top of Wellington Mews in Colaba, used by Ratan Tata.
The reason: They are too close to the naval dockyard, and other vital naval installations.
"I want to clarify that no permission has been given to Mr Ratan Tata. The permission was sought by Taj Wellinton which is located in Colaba. It is within the local flying area of INS Shikra which controls all operations in this area. In case of pilot error, the helicopter will land on top of the naval dockyard on top of the ships which are presently in the naval dockyard and therefore we have not given any No Objection Certificate (NOC) for any helicopter operations from Sea Wind," said Vice Admiral Sanjeev Bhasin, Western Naval Command.
The Navy also says helipads on top of private buildings pose a risk.
"The Navy has sought reconsideration of this NOC and cancellation of this NOC because Wellington Muse is located within the local flying area of INS Chikra and is in very close proximity of the naval dockyard and other sensitive installations in this area," Bhasin said.
But the municipal corporation had cleared the Ambani's helipad, and the one at the Taj Wellington has an NOC from the Air Force, raising doubts over whether the Navy's objections are based on genuine reasons, or wounded ego.