Maharashtra Government to Relocate Juhu and Dahisar Radars, Paving Way for Redevelopment
For years, the high-power radar stations in Juhu and Dahisar have been a significant impediment to redevelopment and new construction. However, the Maharashtra government has now decided to relocate these radar stations, bringing much-needed relief to residents and paving the way for the redevelopment of old, dilapidated buildings.
On December 10, it was reported that about 15,000 residents from nearly 200 Juhu housing societies planned to boycott the upcoming BMC elections due to redevelopment restrictions. 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, the construction of tall buildings in nearby areas has been prohibited. This has made it almost impossible to redevelop old buildings in these localities.
On Friday, during the ongoing winter session of the state legislature in Nagpur, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the state government's 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 the 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 redevelopment,” Fadnavis concluded.
The Maharashtra government also 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.
