Stop bickering over Navi Mumbai airport name

Representational Image

With just a fortnight left for the inauguration of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) on September 30, the political storm over its naming has reached a crescendo. The consensus with regard to the airport being named after local leader DB Patil seems to have been lost, and naming it after Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray is leading to an impasse. Breaking his silence on the issue, former MP and NCP leader Anand Paranjape has urged both political parties and citizens to find middle ground.

Paranjpe has stated that DB Patil was renowned among locals and he also fought for the rights of farmers and villagers. Though the controversy has already reached its crescendo, expect it to keep simmering at that level for a while now. One will not be surprised if some other political leaders now jump in with still other suggestions. We predict this firestorm is going to overshadow other aspects of the airport opening.

There has to be less focus on names and more on all the facilities around the airport vicinity. Local leaders need to concentrate on arrivals and departures. They must see how to ensure the area near the airport is decongested. What options do commuters have to get to and depart once outside the airport? Is there adequate signage in the entire complex? Do we have good lighting once out of the airport, too, so that it is a safe, well-lit space for all, especially as darkness falls? Are we prepared to keep cab and autorickshaw cartels at bay and have regulated transport? We must ensure excellent cleanliness inside, of course, but all around the airport space, too. Are we ready for that? There are so many factors that need to be highlighted and can do with attention rather than the endless and energy-sapping bickering over names.