The City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Ltd (CIDCO) demolished an unauthorised dargah near the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). This action comes in response to long-standing demands from organisations like the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS), which alleged that the structure posed a threat to the security of the upcoming airport.
The controversy surrounding the illegal encroachment began in March 2023, when HJS first raised concerns with CIDCO. The organisation claimed that the encroachment had started modestly but expanded over time into a sprawling one-acre property, complete with a compound, dome, water tanks, an outhouse, a guesthouse, and parking facilities. The group further alleged that the area was being misused for unlawful activities, including drug consumption. CIDCO, after initial delays, had assured that action would be taken following the Vidhan Sabha elections. True to its word, the authority carried out the demolition promptly after polling concluded. On Thursday, the illegal structure was razed with police assistance, marking the culmination of a protracted effort to clear encroachments from the sensitive airport zone.
HJS and other right-wing organisations, such as the Hindu IT Cell, welcomed the move and commended the government for ensuring airport security. Post-demolition, these groups have shifted their focus to addressing unauthorised constructions on 35 forts across Maharashtra, including Vishalgad, Kulaba, Lohagad, and Shivdi, aiming to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of these sites. CIDCO officials stated that the dargah’s owner had failed to prove legal ownership of the land in court, leading to the demolition order. By clearing this encroachment, CIDCO has reinforced its commitment to safeguarding the NMIA and its surroundings from security risks.
