The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a seven-day notice to the management of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), directing it to provide approval documents for the water connection to a mosque near Terminal 2 or face disconnection of the supply.
The civic action comes shortly after the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) said that no permission had been granted for the religious structure near the airport’s VIP arrival and taxi stand area and directed airport operator Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) to take action following due procedure.
In its communication to the airport’s executive engineer, the BMC said it had no record of a valid approval for the mosque’s water connection. The airport authorities have therefore been asked to either submit documentation establishing that the connection was sanctioned or disconnect the line within seven days.
“Therefore, it is requested to submit a copy of approval of connection granted to the Masjid at T2 airport to the competent authority (BMC) or to disconnect the water supply line within seven days. Failing which, further action may be taken under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (MMC) Act,” the notice stated.
Dispute Over Structure Near Terminal 2
The matter came into focus after BJP leader and former MP Kirit Somaiya sought the removal of the mosque on September 8, alleging that it was operating without the required permissions at the airport’s international terminal taxi stand. The MMRDA subsequently said the structure had not received permission from the authority and that the airport-area Interim Development Plan did not provide for a public place of worship at the site.
Somaiya has said the MMRDA issued a notice requiring the structure to be vacated within four weeks and indicated that removal could follow if it is not vacated. He also said he would approach the Mumbai Police over the matter.
MIAL Asked to Take Action
The MMRDA has placed responsibility on Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) regarding the presence of the structure within the airport premises. The latest BMC notice separately concerns the legality of its water connection.
The immediate issue is now whether the airport authorities can produce documentation validating the water supply connection within the stipulated seven-day period. Failure to do so could lead to action under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, according to the civic notice.
The developments follow a wider examination by authorities of the status of the structure and the permissions governing activities on the airport premises.
Source: Money Control
