The news about the Mumbai International Airport Limited beginning the demolition of 20 uninhabited and dilapidated structures was everywhere. Happening at the Air India Colony and this is being done as a part of the MIAL’s comprehensive redevelopment plan of the airport land. However, as the residents were unhappy with the move, they came out to protest, which led to the MIAL calling off demolition for the time being.
MIAL Begins Demolition Of 20 Structures In Air India Colony
An #Aviation chapter ends, as I woke up to images of Air India employees protesting as Adanis bulldozers moved in on the Indian Airlines colony today.
Bus loads of policemen & demolition teams began as protesting ladies & gents clung to the buildings to prevent it.
It’s a… pic.twitter.com/FMeWnAbXtl
— Sanjay Lazar (@sjlazars) January 24, 2024
As the MIAL initiated the demolition of Air India colony buildings, several residents opposed the move. Yes, this was mentioned in a report by Indian Express wherein it was revealed that 350 families who were employed with the airline were against the handover of the houses in the Air India Colony that is spread over 184-acre land for sale.
Official Statement Released By The MIAL
Happy to update that the residents showed the SUPREME COURT ORDER which protects them from coercive action until next hearing on Feb 13/2024
Also happy to note that demolitions stopped but cops protecting the Adani goons
High court had said proceed under PP norms
Supreme…
— Sanjay Lazar (@sjlazars) January 24, 2024
In fact, the MIAL also released an official statement regarding this demolition project. It mentioned that the demolition has been initiated for 20 uninhabited and dilapidated structures at the Air India Colony. This is been conducted in “strict adherence to the law and in accordance with the permission/handover granted by AIAHL, the PSU Asset Holding Company of Erstwhile Air India.”
No Steps Taken For Demolition Of Remaining 80+ Buildings – MIAL
For those who are still unaware, this was a part of the expansion plan by the Mumbai International Airport Limited. Not to mention, the 20 buildings are located in the Air India Colony, Vile Parle. In fact, a report by Hindustan Times also mentioned that the MIAL has been accused by the residents of violating the Supreme Court’s 2023 order, which stayed the demolition of the colony. The Adani airports-controlled Mumbai International Airport Limited did maintain its claim, as mentioned in the official statement that the buildings for demolition were marked as ‘uninhabited and dilapidated’.
And, in the same report, it was mentioned that presently no demolition steps have been undertaken for the remaining 80+ buildings within the colony. It said, that a proper process of law by filing eviction applications under the AAI Act is being followed.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (Image is for representative purposes only)
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.