The Navi Mumbai International Airport approaches, a significant controversy has emerged regarding its naming.
Political leaders and local residents are at odds over whether the airport should be named after the late D B Patil, a prominent leader who championed the rights of project-affected persons (PAPs), or after other political figures. The All-Party Action Committee (APAC), led by Dashrath Patil, has been vocal in its demand to name the airport after D B Patil, citing his pivotal role in securing compensation and land rights for PAPs during the airport’s development. Patil’s leadership in organizing protests and negotiations with the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) in the 1970s and 1980s is credited with ensuring that original landowners received 12.5% of the developed land.
Despite these efforts, the Maharashtra government initially proposed naming the airport after Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, leading to widespread protests across the region. Thousands of residents from Navi Mumbai, Raigad, Thane, and Palghar districts participated in human chains and demonstrations, demanding that the airport bear D B Patil’s name as a tribute to his contributions. The protests culminated in a significant rally on June 24, 2021, the death anniversary of D B Patil, where demonstrators expressed their discontent with the government’s proposal. In response to the mounting pressure, the Maharashtra cabinet approved a proposal to name the airport after D B Patil in July 2022. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, confirmed this decision in October 2024, stating that the airport would soon be named in honour of the late leader.
However, the final approval from the Centre remains pending, leading to continued unrest among local communities and political leaders. The APAC has warned of an “explosion of discontent” if the demand is not fulfilled promptly. They have called for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expedite the decision-making process. The controversy underscores the complex interplay between infrastructure development and local political dynamics. While the airport promises to boost regional connectivity and economic growth, the debate over its naming highlights the importance of acknowledging the contributions of local leaders and communities in such projects.
As the inauguration of the Navi Mumbai International Airport draws near, the resolution of this naming dispute remains a critical issue, reflecting broader concerns about representation, recognition, and the equitable distribution of benefits arising from large-scale development projects.
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