In a major relief for residents of Juhu (DN Nagar) and Dahisar, the Maharashtra government has decided to relocate the high-power radar stations in these areas. For years, these radars have blocked redevelopment and new construction, but the move is expected to remove long-standing hurdles and allow old, dilapidated buildings to be redeveloped.
On December 10, mid-day reported that about 15,000 residents from nearly 200 Juhu housing societies plan to boycott the upcoming BMC elections. These societies lie within 500 metres of an Army wireless station, where redevelopment is banned due to security rules.
Both Dahisar and Juhu currently have high intensity radar centres. Due to safety restrictions around these radar installations, construction of tall buildings in nearby areas is not allowed. This has made redevelopment of old buildings in these localities almost impossible.
On Friday, during the ongoing winter session of the state legislature in Nagpur, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the state government plans to shift the radar centres to alternate and suitable locations. The Maharashtra government informed the members of the legislature that it has suggested an alternative site for shifting the Juhu radar. “The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has been invited to inspect this proposed location. Once AAI completes its technical study and approves the site, the formal approval process for shifting the Juhu radar will begin,” Fadnavis claimed.
Mumbai BJP unit chief Ameet Satam welcomed the move as it would pave the way for redevelopment of several old and dilapidated buildings in these areas.
Meanwhile, the CM further informed that the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the AAI have approved the plan to shift the Dahisar radar to Gorai.
In fact, the Maharashtra government has assured the central government that it will pay for the relocation and provide alternative land. “Also, 50 per cent of AAI’s land in Dahisar will be kept aside for public gardens,” Fadnavis added.
“The relocation of the radar centres will pave the way for the redevelopment,” Fadnavis concluded.
Govt announces ‘housing for all’ policy
The Maharashtra government announced a “Housing for All” policy to restart stalled redevelopment projects in Mumbai, especially in restricted areas like funnel zones, Juhu military transmission station, Kandarpada, Malad COD area, and other protected lands. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “The policy aims to allow stalled redevelopment in these zones.” Under this scheme, EWS families will get up to 300 sq ft homes free of cost, while LIG families will receive redeveloped flats up to 600 sq ft without any charges. Developers will be given incentive FSI to make projects viable.
