The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has directed authorities managing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to disconnect the water supply to a mosque adjoining Terminal 2, following complaints by BJP leader and former MP Kirit Somaiya.
Somaiya has alleged that the mosque’s water connection was unauthorised and amounted to water theft. He has also alleged that the structure was built on airport land without the required permissions.
BMC Gives Airport Seven Days
In a complaint submitted to the airport’s executive engineer on September 17, the BMC said water was being supplied to the mosque through a 15 mm diameter pipe.
“Water is being supplied through 15 mm dia supply pipe to the masjid. Same is not in the records of this office,” the complaint stated.
The civic body asked airport authorities to either provide approval for the water connection or disconnect it if the supply was found to be unauthorised. The authorities were given seven days to comply.
The BMC warned that failure to follow the directions could lead to further action under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act.
Somaiya Seeks Probe Into Mosque
In a separate letter to Airport Authority of India chairperson Vipan Kumar, Somaiya alleged that around 5,000 square feet of AAI land, along with a 3,000 square foot structure described as a mosque, had been fraudulently transferred by officials of GVK or Mumbai International Airport Limited to an employee.
Somaiya has sought an inquiry into the matter and demanded registration of an FIR.
He has also alleged that the mosque was constructed illegally on airport land and has described the issue using the term “land jihad”.
Somaiya said he would approach Sahar police station over alleged land grabbing and illegal construction involving the mosque and a Mumbai International Airport Limited employee.
These allegations have not been independently established.
MMRDA Asks Police to Investigate
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority has also directed Sahar police to investigate the alleged unauthorised religious construction on AAI land and submit its findings.
The MMRDA has described the structure as an unauthorised religious construction, stating that the airport area’s Interim Development Plan does not provide for a public place of worship.
The latest action follows Somaiya’s September 8 complaint seeking removal of the mosque near Terminal 2.
The investigation by the authorities is expected to establish the status of the land, the construction and the water connection.
