The controversy over an alleged unauthorised religious structure near Terminal 2 of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport has moved to the next stage, with the MMRDA scheduling a hearing for October 5. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has said an FIR could also be registered soon in connection with the construction.
Somaiya said in a post on X that the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) had informed authorities that the land belonged to the government and that no permission had been granted to Mohammad Sarwar or others for the construction. He alleged that the structure involved unauthorised construction and land encroachment.
The MMRDA had earlier stated that it had not granted planning permission for the structure located near the VIP arrival and taxi stand area of Terminal 2. It subsequently directed MIAL to initiate action for its removal in accordance with the prescribed procedure.
MMRDA notice seeks documents
The latest notice, issued to Ashabul Janna Airport Charitable Trust under provisions of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966, follows a site inspection conducted by an MMRDA field land surveyor on September 10. The inspection report included measurements and photographs of the construction.
According to the notice, the structure appears, prima facie, to have been constructed without prior approval under Section 45 of the Act. The trust has been asked to present certified copies of any permissions or approvals supporting the construction during the hearing.
The hearing is scheduled from 4 pm to 5 pm on October 5 at the MMRDA’s Unauthorised Construction and Removal Department at the Old Administrative Building in Bandra-Kurla Complex.
Action possible if approval is not shown
The notice states that failure to appear or produce valid permission documents could lead the authority to treat the construction as unauthorised and initiate action under the relevant provisions of the Act. It also allows for removal of the structure and restoration of the site, with expenses potentially recoverable as arrears of land revenue under Section 53(6).
The matter has also drawn BMC attention. In September, the civic body said it had no record of an approved water connection for the structure and sought supporting documents or disconnection of the supply.
The October 5 hearing will determine the next stage of the MMRDA proceedings, subject to the documents and explanation submitted by the concerned trust.
Source: Mid-day
Pic Credit: News 18
