Navi Mumbai Airport Protest: Hunger Strike Enters Third Day Over Unresolved Demands
A critical hunger strike unto death is currently unfolding in front of the Cidco Bhavan office at CBD Belapur in Navi Mumbai. This intense protest is being staged by individuals and families severely impacted by the ongoing Navi Mumbai International Airport project, who are demanding immediate resolution of their long-pending grievances.
Leadership and Escalation of the Agitation
The protest is being spearheaded by Kiran Keni and Pravin Muthenwar, who serve as organisers of the Navi Mumbai International Airport Committee. Both leaders have initiated an indefinite fast to draw attention to the plight of the affected residents. As of January 22, 2026, this determined fast has entered its third consecutive day, highlighting the growing urgency of the situation.
The organisers have issued a stern warning to the Cidco administration. They have stated clearly that if the authorities do not commence constructive dialogue with the hunger strikers and committee office-bearers without delay, a significant escalation is imminent. From January 23, 2026, which marks the fourth day of the protest, a larger contingent of project-affected residents is prepared to join the agitation, thereby intensifying the pressure on the administration.
Core Demands of the Protesting Community
The hunger strikers have articulated several fundamental demands that address the multifaceted challenges faced by displaced families. These demands are critical for ensuring justice and proper rehabilitation.
- Financial Support for Displaced Landlords: A primary demand is for the provision of a house rent allowance coupled with an incentive allowance for landlords whose properties were evicted after the year 2019. The protesters argue that numerous displaced families are grappling with exorbitant rental costs and require immediate financial assistance to sustain themselves until permanent rehabilitation is fully executed.
- Review of Rejected Housing Claims: The committee is demanding the approval of houses for families whose claims were unjustly rejected by Cidco after being categorised as ineligible. According to the organisers, this flawed determination process has left several genuinely affected households without access to crucial rehabilitation benefits, necessitating a fair and transparent review.
- Compensation for the Fishing Community: Another significant demand focuses on the traditional fishing community adversely affected by the project. The organisers insist that fishermen must receive adequate compensation by implementing the provisions outlined in the Land Acquisition Act of 2013. They emphasise that the detrimental impact on their longstanding livelihoods must be formally recognised and compensated in strict accordance with the law.
- Employment Opportunities for Project-Affected Youth: Finally, the committee is advocating for the creation of employment opportunities within the Navi Mumbai International Airport project for the children of the affected families. They maintain that providing sustainable jobs is essential for securing long-term rehabilitation and ensuring economic stability for those who have been displaced or otherwise impacted by this large-scale development initiative.
Appeal for Immediate Dialogue and Resolution
In a heartfelt appeal, the organisers have called for immediate and sincere dialogue with the Cidco administration. The objective is to prevent any further deterioration of the already tense situation and to address all the raised demands through a structured, time-bound settlement process. The community's patience is wearing thin, and a prompt resolution is seen as the only way to restore trust and ensure equitable justice for all project-affected persons in Navi Mumbai.
