Authorities have announced the suspension of prayers at Bakra Mosque, located near Kolkata airport, from 8 am on Saturday, amidst escalating security concerns. The mosque, which has stood for 136 years, is positioned approximately 165 metres from the secondary runway and has been described as a potential hindrance to flight operations and emergency actions.

The decision to halt entry passes to the mosque has been made while discussions are ongoing between state and central government officials regarding the relocation of the historic site beyond the airport’s boundary. This action follows concerns expressed by security personnel regarding access protocols.

Sourav Sikdar, a local BJP MLA representing the North Dum Dum Assembly constituency, commented on the security discussions that took place during a recent meeting. He noted that individuals accessing the mosque did not necessarily possess standard airport identification, which raised further security issues related to current access procedures.

Historical Context of the Mosque

The mosque in question predates the airport by several decades, reportedly existing since the 1890s, well before the establishment of an aerodrome by the British in the area. This historical background is significant as it highlights the mosque’s long-standing presence in a region that has undergone substantial transformation over the years, particularly with the development of Kolkata Airport.

Initially, the site where the secondary runway is now located was a village, part of which included the mosque. The transformation of the area began in 1924 with the construction of a British-era aerodrome near the Royal Artillery Armoury, but at that time, local human settlements, including the mosque, remained in the vicinity.

As air traffic increased through the 1950s and 1960s, the airport expanded westward, leading to the clearance of nearby villages. Although the primary runway was developed, the mosque continued to serve the local Muslim community, remaining documented in airport land records.

Current Status and Future Developments

In light of the suspension of prayers, Sikdar has stated that the mosque’s current usage will be halted temporarily to facilitate ongoing construction and development work at the airport. He emphasised that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) holds jurisdiction over the land and will ultimately decide the mosque’s future.

Questions regarding the ownership of the land have also been raised, with Sikdar highlighting that official documents indicate the land belongs to the AAI and not the mosque committee. The local BJP representative noted attempts were made to encourage the mosque committee to relocate, which were reportedly declined.

As the discussions continue, there remains uncertainty regarding the long-term status of the mosque situated within the airport’s operational area. With increasing aircraft sizes and more stringent aviation safety regulations, the mosque’s presence is being scrutinised more than ever in terms of its compatibility with modern airport operations.

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