Mumbai airport row: MMRDA finds no approvals for religious structure, orders removal

The Maharashtra Metropolitan Region Development Authority MMRDA has declared a religious structure near Terminal 2 of Mumbairsquos Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport unauthorised after finding that it did not have the required planning permissionsThe development has triggered a fresh controversy over structures and alleged encroachments near sensitive airport premises Former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya has demanded immediate demolition of the structure and criminal action against those allegedly responsible for its constructionFollowing complaints about unauthorised construction near airport land MMRDA conducted a verification and found that no official approvals building sanctions or other statutory permissions had been granted for the structureMMRDA directs immediate removalMMRDA has issued formal notices to Mumbai International Airport Limited MIAL directing the agency to remove and demolish the unauthorised structureThe authority has stressed the need to keep the area surrounding the highsecurity airport zone clear The structure is located close to critical airport infrastructure including areas used by VIP movements taxi parking and terminal facilitiesOfficials have raised concerns that unregulated construction in such locations could create security and operational challenges around the international airportSomaiya seeks FIRSomaiya has called for action beyond the physical removal of the structure He has asked MMRDA and MIAL to register a First Information Report against the managing trustees and other individuals allegedly associated with the constructionSomaiya has described the alleged attempt at unauthorised land occupation as Land Jihad while demanding that the authorities identify and take action against those responsibleThe controversy comes amid wider scrutiny of alleged encroachments around critical national infrastructure Airportadjacent areas are subject to security and planning restrictions because of their proximity to sensitive facilities and hightraffic zonesClearance plans under reviewMIAL and local police authorities are currently examining the directives issued by MMRDA and the arrangements required for carrying out the clearance operationAuthorities are expected to coordinate security measures before the structure is removedThe matter also comes against the backdrop of judicial observations emphasising public safety and security around international hubs The focus remains on ensuring that structures in restricted or sensitive areas comply with applicable planning and administrative requirementsThe authoritiesrsquo next steps are expected to include the execution of MMRDArsquos demolition directive and consideration of the request for criminal actionWith inputs from IANS