Illegal Dargah Near Navi Mumbai Airport Demolished by CIDCO for Security Reasons

Navi Mumbai: The City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Ltd (CIDCO) has demolished an unauthorized dargah located near the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). The structure, situated on a hill in Panvel’s Paragon area, was identified as a potential security risk due to its proximity to the airport. The demolition follows persistent demands from local organizations and activists, citing national security concerns.

The matter first came to light in March 2023 when the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS), a right-wing Hindu organization, alerted CIDCO to the unauthorized construction on its land near the NMIA. The organization alleged that the encroachment began modestly, with a few stones painted green, and eventually expanded to cover nearly one acre. The structure included a compound, fountain, dome, water tanks, an outhouse, guesthouse, and parking lot.

Despite initial complaints, no immediate action was taken. HJS, along with the Hindu IT Cell, raised the issue with higher authorities, including the Ministry of Home Affairs. Meetings were also held with CIDCO’s Chief Vigilance Officer and the Navi Mumbai Police to emphasize the urgent need for demolition.

CIDCO had assured the public in October 2023 that all illegal structures near the NMIA would be removed after the Vidhan Sabha elections to avoid any political or religious sensitivities. True to its word, CIDCO, with police assistance, demolished the structure on November 16, the day after polling concluded.

Local Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Yogesh Chile, who had raised the issue nearly two years ago, confirmed the action. He revealed that the individual operating the dargah, identified as Gafoor, had approached the court to claim ownership of the land but failed to provide proof. "We suspected that the site was being misused at night for drug consumption. CIDCO assured us that the structure would be removed after the elections to prevent the issue from taking on a religious angle," said Mr. Chile.

Following the demolition, HJS claimed credit for the action, stating that their year-long efforts had finally borne fruit. "By removing the unauthorized construction, the security of the Navi Mumbai International Airport area has been ensured," said Sunil Ghanvat, state coordinator of HJS.

The organization has now turned its attention to encroachments on historic forts across Maharashtra. It has pledged to work on clearing illegal structures from 35 forts, including Vishalgad, Kulaba, Lohagad, Vandanagad, and Shivdi, to preserve their sanctity and cultural heritage.

CIDCO officials confirmed the demolition, reiterating their commitment to maintaining security and upholding the law. The action has been widely welcomed by local activists and residents, who view it as a step toward safeguarding the airport and ensuring the integrity of the region’s public spaces.

The demolition serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting both security and heritage, as authorities and organizations continue their efforts to address illegal encroachments.