Surat: The district authorities have issued notices to remove parts of structures at four housing societies creating height obstacles near Surat International Airport.

Residents and builders of L&T Colony in Magdalla, Sarjan Palace on VIP Road, Raviratna Apartment, and Florence Apartment in Vesu have been given an ultimatum to remove these encroachments by July 31. If they fail to do so, the administration has warned it will initiate demolition using its own machinery and recover the costs from the residents.

Demarcation work was completed on Tuesday at these four sites in the presence of society representatives and builders. The notices, issued by the Majura Mamlatdar the very next day, direct the stakeholders to remove the obstructing parts at their own expense and report back once the work is done.

According to the airport team’s survey, only a very small portion of each building — generally about two to four feet — is obstructing airport operations. In most cases, the affected parts are limited to sections of water tanks or lift passages, which can technically be removed without major structural damage. However, as these parts involve essential utilities like water tanks, residents have requested additional time to arrange alternatives before carrying out the demolition.

Despite these requests, the Mamlatdar’s notice clearly states the deadline of July 31. Should residents fail to comply, the Collector’s team will step in to demolish the encroachments, and all associated expenses will be recovered from the societies. Residents have been instructed to inform the Majura Mamlatdar after removing the structures, who will then submit a report to the Sub-Divisional Officer and subsequently to the Airport Authority.

Notably, in response to earlier notices from the Collector and demands from the Airport Authority, some apartment managers have already voluntarily removed the encroachments. The remaining demolitions are also expected to be carried out in the coming days.