Mumbai: Wall near CSMIA's runway in Jarimari collapses, RTI activist raises safety concern

A wall adjacent to runway of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport collapsed. The incident took place at 6.40 pm on Sunday.

But it came to light after RTI activist Anil Galgali shared a video of the same on Monday, May 8. The video showed a barbed fence and debris of the collapsed wall.

According to Galgali, the wall in front of Jarimari cemetery on Kurla Andheri road has collapsed and the runway is still adjacent.

The BMC contractor is working here and there is a possibility of the wall collapsing due to JCB.

Galgali in his tweet stated that BMC contrators are carrying out sewer work next to the wall. He wrote, "A wall adjacent to the runway at Jarimari of Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport collapsed. Sewer work is being done by the BMC contractors right next to the wall and whose fault is it exactly? This is definitely a safety hazard unless the job is done."

Despite the possibility of this posing a threat to airport security, the airport administration is acting on its behalf very slow.

The urgency with which the airport administration needs to take action is being ignored. According to Anil Galgali, the big question is what will happen with just sheets when the wall needs to be built at a fast pace.

CSMIA Official Statement:

"On Sunday, 7th May 2023 at 18:32 hrs., a portion of perimeter wall of approx. 12-15 ft. near Gate 27 of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) collapsed due to ongoing construction & maintenance work on the city-side, adjoining the wall. As soon as the incident was reported, CSMIA Airside Security and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) were immediately informed. As a precautionary measure, additional guards were deployed at the location, and safety barricades were quickly installed to cordon off the affected area and secure the perimeter. There was no disruption to any airport operations or services. Also no injuries or casualties were reported. CSMIA continues to maintain the highest standards of safety and security and is taking all necessary steps to investigate the incident," a CSMIA spokesperson said.