AAI's High-Frequency Radar Relocation Unlocks Land for Affordable Housing in Dahisar
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has made a significant decision to relocate its high-frequency radar from Dahisar to Gorai, a move that will unlock hundreds of acres of land for affordable housing projects in the area. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu announced this development on Sunday, following a meeting with various stakeholders, including the Civil Aviation Ministry and the Maharashtra government.
This decision has been a long time coming, with discussions and negotiations spanning several years. The radar installations at Dahisar and Juhu have been restrictive, limiting building heights and hindering urban development. The relocation of these radars will finally allow for the redevelopment of buildings and the initiation of housing projects in the region.
Addressing a virtual meeting, Naidu emphasized that the Civil Aviation Ministry will seek cabinet approval for the radar relocation to expedite the construction process. He highlighted the importance of this decision, stating that it will bring relief to thousands of families and accelerate economic development in North Mumbai. The relocation will also help in fulfilling the dream of the people of Dahisar to have a house of their own, particularly those living in old, dilapidated buildings.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also addressed the meeting, confirming that the state government has agreed to shift the high-frequency radar centers from Dahisar and Juhu to technically suitable alternative sites. Fadnavis noted that the state government has conveyed its willingness to bear the cost of relocation and to provide alternative land, which will be transferred free of cost to the Centre.
The decision to relocate the radar is the result of joint efforts and close coordination between the central and state governments, as well as the civil aviation ministry. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, who represents the North Mumbai constituency, played a crucial role in pushing for the resolution of this issue. Goyal stated that over the next five years, an estimated 50,000 homes will be constructed or redeveloped, paving the way for pakka homes with basic amenities and generating large-scale employment.
The government has also suggested an alternative site at Juhu for the AAI to evaluate. Once the technical study is completed and the site is finalized, the approval process for shifting the Juhu radar will begin. This will further facilitate the redevelopment of buildings in the Dahisar and Juhu (DN Nagar) areas.
Naidu expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders involved, particularly Chief Minister Fadnavis, for their cooperation and support. He stated that the radar relocation will not only unlock land for housing but will also make Dahisar a hub for ease of living, offering a better quality of life, affordable housing, and a safe, green, and dignified living environment.
Fadnavis emphasized that the tag of Dahisar being the 'last suburb' will be erased, and it will emerge as a fast-developing growth hub. The decision to relocate the radar balances housing needs with aviation safety, ensuring that the region can progress without compromising on essential services. This historic decision will bring significant changes to North Mumbai, moving it towards becoming an 'Uttam Mumbai,' a vision that has been a long-standing goal for the region.
