Air India Colony residents protest against Adani Group for demolishing the colony
Air India Colony residents protest against Adani Group for demolishing the colony
Air India Colony, a home to 1600 families in Kolivery village, Santacruz got demolished by Adani Group to make ways for Mumbai airport’s expansion plans. The demolition began today.
Demolition of the uninhabited buildings began today to make way for Mumbai airport’s expansion plans;
Reportedly, the demolition of the uninhabited dilapidated structures was started by
Billionaire Gautam Adani-led Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL).
Reports reveal that in March 2022, nearly a month after Air India was handed over to Tata Sons, MIAL issued a notice to the AI asking it to surrender land that is not core to its operations, including four staff colonies.
As per MIAL spokesperson, the demolition was conducted in strict adherence to the law and accordance with the permission/handover granted by AIAHL, the PSU asset holding company of erstwhile Air India.
The demolition was part of MIAL’s comprehensive redevelopment plan of the airport land.
The spokesperson further added that as of now no demolition steps have been undertaken for the remaining 80-odd buildings within the colony, currently occupied.
Owing to process of law by filing eviction applications under the AAI Act is being followed for the same.
MIAL’s spokesperson also added that in consideration of Mumbai Airport being a land-constrained aviation asset, this redevelopment initiative is a crucial step in the airport’s ongoing efforts to contribute towards its expansion and enhancement of the existing passenger facilities, to foster the growth and progress of Mumbai.
But, ironically, the move was opposed by the residents of the colony, who entered into a heated argument with the teams. They tried to prevent the earthmover vehicles from carrying out the demolition works.
Meanwhile, as per Sanjay Lazar,
former general secretary of
All India Cabin Crew Association, a bus full of police personnel and demolition teams began the works as protesting residents clung to the buildings to prevent it. Photos and videos of the incident went viral on social media.
Sanjay posted on his X that it was a moment of heartbreak for those of us who visited the Air India and Indian Airlines colonies as kids 50 years ago. He recalled having playing there with some of his best friends and even stayed there briefly 2 years ago.
The demolition was an end of an era in Kalina as new Adani BKC city with spanking new malls hotels and offices will spring up in 225 acres of land.
Later, he made it known that the demolitions were stopped after residents presented the Supreme Court order, which protects them from coercive action until the next hearing on February 13.
Lazar continued that the High Court had said to proceed under PP norms; the Supreme Court has said no action until the next hearing. The police and Adani ensured to return with permissions.
News Edit K.V.Raman
