The district administration of Papum Pare has immediately stopped all religious and construction-related activities at the controversial Helipad Area Masjid in Naharlagun following serious violations of land and building norms. Authorities have found that the mosque structure has been built without obtaining mandatory approvals from key departments, including the Town Planning Department, Urban Development & Housing, and the local municipal council.
Capital Deputy Commissioner Talo Potom, who also serves as the District Magistrate, conducted an on-spot verification on Thursday along with senior officials. The team discovered that:
- No approved building plan or permission exists from the Department of Town Planning & Urban Development.
- Land allotment and usage deviate from sanctioned purposes.
- Construction has encroached upon areas beyond the originally allotted land.
The DC has directed the complete suspension of all ongoing activities at the site until proper permissions and clearances are obtained as per law. A detailed report has been sought from concerned departments, and further action, including possible demolition of unauthorised portions, will be decided accordingly.
Background of the Controversy
The Helipad Area Masjid has been at the centre of local disputes for several months. Residents and community organisations have repeatedly raised concerns over alleged encroachment on public land originally earmarked for heliport expansion and other civic amenities. Complaints highlighted illegal construction, blocking of public access routes, and violation of building bylaws in the densely populated capital region.
Several organisations, including local youth and students’ bodies, had submitted memoranda to the administration demanding immediate intervention. The issue gained further traction after reports of expansion work continuing despite earlier warnings.
Official Response
Deputy Commissioner Talo Potom reiterated the administration’s commitment to upholding rule of law without bias:
“No construction – religious or otherwise – can take place without due permission from competent authorities. All norms under the Arunachal Pradesh Building Bye-Laws and Town Planning Act will be strictly enforced,” the DC stated.
The administration has also appealed to all communities to cooperate and follow legal procedures for any place of worship or public structure to maintain peace and harmony in the multicultural capital complex.
Authorities have increased monitoring in the area to prevent any untoward incident, and police patrolling has been stepped up around the mosque premises.
The development is being viewed as a strong message from the state government against unauthorised constructions, especially on government-allotted or disputed land, amid growing urbanisation pressures in Itanagar and Naharlagun.
Further updates are expected once the technical reports from Town Planning and UD departments are submitted within the stipulated timeframe.
(Source: India Today NE)
