As part of its expansion plan, the Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) initiated demolition of 20 vacant buildings at the Air India Colony, Vile Parle, Mumbai amid protests by Air India employees who have been residing in the colony.
“Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) has initiated the demolition of 20 uninhabited, dilapidated structures at the Air India Colony, 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. This has been done as part of its comprehensive redevelopment plan of the airport land. At present, no demolition steps have been undertaken for the remaining 80+ buildings within the colony which are currently occupied. Due process of law by filing eviction applications under the AAI Act are being followed for the same,” a statement issued by MIAL said.
The MIAL is seeking this land for expansion of the airport. The land on which this colony is built was owned by the state government and leased to the Airports Authority of India which had given the land to Air India. With the Adani controlled MIAL taking control of the airport, it has sought the land back from Air India.
The Air India colony is spread over a 184-acre land parcel and houses 350 families who were employed with the airline and are against the handover.
“We don’t oppose redevelopment projects, but employees shouldn’t lose company benefits, including colony accommodation facilities,” said MP Desai, General Secretary of Air India Colony Bachao Samiti.
Desai said that on Wednesday, the MIAL attempted an un-notified demolition which the residents opposed.
Desai said, “Our demand is that they either provide alternative accommodation or give the employees the right to stay until retirement. After approaching the labour court, consumer court, and Bombay High Court, the Supreme Court was petitioned, arguing for residence rights based on the leave and license agreement signed at employment. The first hearing is scheduled on February 13. But before the hearing, MIAL is taking up the demolition drive,” Desai said.