Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has flagged an allegedly unauthorised water connection to a mosque near Mumbai Airport’s Terminal 2, following a complaint by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya. Somaiya has alleged that the structure, which he claims stands on airport land, has been receiving water without legal authorisation, along with an electricity connection.
BMC flags alleged water connection
According to reports, the BMC’s K-South Ward water works department inspected the site on September 16 and found that water was being supplied to the mosque through a 15-mm-diameter pipeline.
The reports further indicate that, on September 17, the BMC assistant engineer wrote to the executive engineer at Terminal 2 of Mumbai Airport, asking the airport authorities to submit official BMC approval for the water connection within seven days.
The letter stated that the connection was “not in the records” of the ward office. The airport authorities have also been asked to discontinue the alleged unauthorised water connection to the structure if it is found to be illegal. Failing this, the civic body said it would initiate further action under the Municipal Corporation Act, according to TOI.
Inspection follows complaint
The inspection was carried out following a complaint alleging an unauthorised water connection to a mosque at the T2 airport taxi stand, near the JW Marriott Hotel on IA Project Road in Andheri East.
In his complaint, Somaiya alleged that the mosque was operating at the taxi stand of the international terminal without the required permissions.
MMRDA declares structure illegal
Meanwhile, a few days ago, following the complaint, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) declared the structure illegal, stating that the Interim Development Plan (IDP) for the airport area does not permit a public place of worship at the site, reported Moneycontrol.
According to the report, Somaiya said the MMRDA had already served a notice directing the mosque authorities to vacate the premises within four weeks, failing which demolition action could be taken. He also said he would approach the Mumbai Police seeking immediate action against the structure.
To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/
