A dispute has escalated over the proposed relocation of the Bankra mosque within Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport due to security and runway expansion. The 136-year-old mosque, known as the Gauripur Jama Masjid, stands just 165 meters from the airport’s secondary runway, sparking debates involving safety regulations, heritage concerns, and timing. The decision to move the mosque has stirred political and communal controversies, with opponents criticizing the ruling party for justifying the relocation on security grounds.
The airport, typically a highly secure area, faces challenges as the mosque’s proximity to the runway raises safety and operational issues. The removal decision has become a contentious issue post a change in the state government, with accusations of politicizing a technical matter. Despite warnings, previous administrations refrained from demolishing the structure, leading to a complex situation involving security, heritage, and public safety concerns.
The mosque’s history dates back to the 1890s when it was built in a rural village, and despite subsequent airport expansions, it remained untouched. The relocation debate underscores the delicate balance between security imperatives and heritage preservation, reflecting broader tensions between development needs and cultural sensitivities. The controversy highlights the challenges of managing religious structures in evolving urban landscapes, where infrastructure demands often clash with historical legacies.
