Mumbai: BMC Seeks Documents for Mosque Water Connection Near Airport T2

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has asked authorities managing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to provide approval documents for a water connection supplying a mosque near Terminal 2 or disconnect the line within seven days.

The BMC action follows a complaint by BJP leader and former MP Kirit Somaiya, who has raised questions about the religious structure and its presence within the airport premises.

According to the BMC's September 17 communication, its K-South ward water works department inspected the site on September 16 and found a 15-mm pipeline supplying water to the mosque. The civic body said the connection was not present in its records.

The airport authorities have been asked to submit documents showing that the water connection was approved by the competent BMC authority. If the connection is found to be unauthorised, the BMC has directed that it be disconnected within seven days and warned that further action could follow under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act.

MMRDA Action Over Structure

The development comes after the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) said that permission had not been granted for the mosque's construction near the Terminal 2 VIP arrival and taxi stand area.

The MMRDA subsequently directed Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), the airport operator, to take steps for removal of the structure following due process.

Somaiya Seeks Probe

Somaiya has separately alleged that around 5,000 square feet of airport land and a structure described as a mosque were transferred improperly to an employee associated with the airport operator. He has sought an investigation and registration of a police case.

These allegations have not been established by the BMC's water-connection notice. The civic communication specifically concerns the approval status of the water supply line.

Authorities are examining the status of the structure, its permissions and the related utility connections. Further action will depend on the findings of the ongoing inquiries.