Efforts to Relocate Historic Mosque at Kolkata Airport Gain Momentum
Bid To Relocate 136-Year-Old Mosque From Kolkata Airport May Finally Take Off After Bengal Power Shift
News 18
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Efforts to relocate the 136-year-old Gouripur Jame Masjid at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata are advancing following a political shift in West Bengal. The mosque's location poses safety risks for flight operations, prompting a coordinated push by state and aviation authorities for its relocation, with discussions on a new site expected soon.
- 01The mosque is located 150 meters inside the airport boundary, violating global safety protocols that require no buildings within 240 meters of an active runway.
- 02Previous attempts to relocate the mosque were blocked by state administrations for over three decades, citing religious sensitivities.
- 03The new BJP-led government in West Bengal is aligned with central infrastructure modernization goals, facilitating the relocation process.
- 04Current security protocols allow 10 to 25 residents to pray at the mosque daily, with up to 80 during Friday congregations, requiring thorough screening by security forces.
- 05The mosque committee has expressed willingness to cooperate but seeks formal consultations with major Muslim organizations regarding the relocation.
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Efforts to relocate the historic Gouripur Jame Masjid, also known as Bankra Mosque, from the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata have gained traction after a political shift in West Bengal. The mosque, which is 136 years old, is situated just 150 meters inside the airport's boundary and poses significant safety risks to flight operations, violating global aviation protocols that prohibit permanent structures within 240 meters of an active runway. This has forced authorities to adjust the secondary runway's touchdown point, limiting the airport's ability to accommodate wide-body international aircraft.
For over three decades, attempts to relocate the mosque were obstructed by previous state governments due to local religious sensitivities. However, with the recent change to a BJP-led administration, the state has aligned with the central government's infrastructure modernization goals. Current Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has highlighted the operational risks posed by the mosque's location. While discussions for a new site and construction plans are set to resume soon, the relocation process has been postponed until after the Eid-uz-Zuha festival to maintain community harmony. The mosque committee has expressed a desire to cooperate with authorities while seeking formal consultations with major Muslim organizations.
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The mosque's relocation is expected to enhance safety for flight operations at Kolkata Airport, allowing for the potential increase in international flights and improved airport infrastructure.
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