Activists Oppose Relocation Of Shivaji Maharaj Statue Near Mumbai Airport After AAI Tags It As Aerodrome Obstacle

Activists have objected against the Airport Authority of India (AAI)’s proposal to relocate the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj near the Mumbai Airport on Western Express Highway.

In May 2024, AAI’s had listed 23 structures around Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport as aerodrome obstacles. Along with trees, huts, fence and poles, this list also included a 69ft tall idol of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and a 70ft tall fort structure in its backdrop, located outside the airport on the Western Express Highway.

Activists have recently objected against the proposed relocation of the statue. On Tuesday, Watchdog Foundation wrote to the chief minister, chief secretary, AAI chairman and DGCA raising strong objection against the proposed relocation and claimed that the relocation will be disrecpectful towards the great Maratha king.

In its letter, the activists have stated that the air funnel zone at CSMIA has been existing since 1928 and was in place even when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue was placed outside the airport. The activists have raised concern regarding how has the structure become an aerodrome obstacle if it wasn’t an obstacle during installation.

The activists have also raised concerns regarding AAI’s colour-coded map alleging that it has clubbed the Mumbai Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport’s air funnel zones together, despite them being technically and geographically separate.

“We are aware that due to the stiff opposition against the relocation of statue at Customs Warehouse near Hotel Grand Maratha, the statue was stealthily shifted in the dead of night, for which none of the politicians ever objected. However, we will not allow this relocation at any cost as this is a total disrespect to our national hero who is revered by one and all,” read the letter.