After years of negotiations, the relocation process of the Bankra Mosque from the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) airport area to extend the runway has commenced, as confirmed by government officials. Entry passes for the mosque through the airport have been closed, and prayers inside the mosque have been halted. Dum Dum Uttar MLA Sourav Sikdar engaged with locals on the matter, noting that most worshippers have consented to the relocation.
The 136-year-old Gauripur Jama Masjid, also known as the ‘Bankra Masjid,’ situated within the airport premises, has been a subject of relocation discussions for an extended period. Concerns have been raised about the mosque’s proximity to the airport’s runways, particularly impacting aircraft operations during maintenance or expansion activities. With the initiation of the relocation process, security measures at the airport are being reviewed to ensure a smooth transition.
Following the change in state governance, efforts were intensified to remove the mosque from the NSCBI airport area, leading to consultations with airport authorities and administrative bodies. Entry passes through the airport gate have been suspended, and prayers within the mosque have ceased since Saturday. The mosque committee, after deliberations with local officials and airport security committees, agreed to a final decision on the fate of the historic mosque post-Eid.
The mosque committee, emphasizing their commitment to airport security and social harmony, accepted the proposal of constructing a larger mosque outside the airport premises. Subsequently, a consensus was reached on the relocation process, resolving the long-standing issue amicably.
