The compound wall of Pune International Airport in Lohgaon was modified to accommodate an unauthorised mazar, sparking fresh concerns about encroachments on public land. The wall, which otherwise runs parallel to the road, visibly bends inward at a particular section to make space for the Muslim structure, raising questions about regulatory oversight and urban planning enforcement.
A formal complaint has been submitted to Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, regarding what the complainant describes as the unauthorised occupation of airport land. The complainant, a frequent commuter on the stretch, has asserted that the structure did not previously exist and its presence has been causing traffic congestion on the road.
Speaking to media, a source privy to the complaint confirmed, “A daily commuter informed the minister’s office about the sudden emergence of an unauthorised mazar on the road near Pune International Airport.” The complainant urged authorities to take immediate action to remove the alleged encroachment, citing its impact on traffic flow and public convenience.
This incident is not an isolated one. Across India, civic authorities have struggled to tackle unauthorised religious encroachments, often facing legal, administrative, and socio-political hurdles in their removal.
Mumbai’s Coastal Road Project (2023)
In Mumbai, the Baba Makhdum Shah Mazaar came under scrutiny when the BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) had to alter a portion of the city’s ambitious Coastal Road project due to the presence of a mazar. The issue sparked public outrage and legal battles, with citizens questioning why public infrastructure was being adjusted for illegal religious structures.
Vadodara’s Ajwa Road Controversy (2022)
In Vadodara, Gujarat, an unauthorised mazar on Ajwa Road led to severe traffic congestion for years. After prolonged legal battles and civic discussions, authorities finally removed the structure as part of an anti-encroachment drive.
Delhi’s Mehrauli Demolition Drive (2023)
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) initiated a massive demolition drive in Mehrauli, targeting illegal religious and commercial structures that had come up on public land. Several unauthorised mazars were razed as part of the operation.
Lucknow’s Encroachment Crackdown (2023)
The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) conducted a major anti-encroachment drive, removing multiple unauthorised mazars that had taken over government land. The operation faced opposition from local groups, but authorities cited Supreme Court orders against unauthorised religious structures on public land.
The Supreme Court of India has repeatedly ruled against unauthorised religious structures on public land. A landmark order from 2011 directed all state governments to ensure that no new religious structures are built on public roads, pavements, or government properties. The ruling also emphasised that existing encroachments should be removed in a phased manner to maintain law and order.
Despite such judicial directives, illegal encroachments continue to surface, creating governance challenges for civic authorities. In many cases, the political sensitivities surrounding religious structures delay action, leading to permanent alterations in public infrastructure.
The Pune Airport incident serves as yet another example of how unauthorised religious sites can impact urban planning. The adjustment of a compound wall to accommodate an encroachment raises serious concerns about the enforcement of zoning laws and land use regulations.
With a formal complaint now filed, it remains to be seen whether authorities will take action to remove the encroachment or let the structure remain.
Authorities are yet to respond to the complaint, but the issue has already ignited public discourse over the proliferation of unauthorised religious structures and their long-term impact on infrastructure planning and governance.
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