Adani group criticised over demolition of Mumbai’s Air India colony
In March 2022, a month after Tata Sons took control of Air India, Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) issued a notice asking the airline to surrender non-core land, including staff colonies housing 1,600 families.
According to an MIAL spokesperson, the demolition, part of the airport’s redevelopment plan, followed legal procedures and permissions granted by AIAHL, the PSU asset holding company of former Air India.
While 20 uninhabited structures were razed, residents opposed the move, engaging in heated arguments to halt the demolition.
Former All India Cabin Crew Association general secretary Sanjay Lazar reported police intervention and posted about the emotional impact on social media.
Residents managed to stop the demolitions temporarily by presenting a Supreme Court order protecting them until the next hearing on February 13. The Adani Group, involved in the redevelopment, pledged to return with necessary permissions.
The redevelopment aims to contribute to Mumbai Airport’s growth but faced resistance from affected residents. Adani Group’s role in the project has sparked controversy, with protests and social media outcry. The project involves the construction of a new Adani BKC city with malls, hotels, and offices in 225 acres of land.
