Redevelopment prospects for several ageing buildings and slum settlements in Juhu have received a boost after the Union Ministry of Defence relaxed long-standing restrictions around the Signal Transmitting Station (Wireless Centre) in the area. The decision is expected to benefit thousands of residents living in nearly 200 old buildings and densely populated settlements that have faced redevelopment hurdles for several decades.
Many of these structures are over 75 years old and have remained in poor condition due to restrictions imposed under the Defence Works Act, 1903. The latest notification allows redevelopment activities to proceed for properties located beyond the 100-metre restricted zone around the defence installation.
New Notification Replaces Earlier Restrictions
The Defence Ministry issued a Gazette Notification on August 3, 2026, withdrawing the nearly five-decade-old SRO 150 and introducing a new notification, SRO 33(E). The revised order reduces the impact of earlier restrictions, which had extended up to 500 metres from the wireless station and affected numerous residential properties in Juhu.
The move clears the way for redevelopment of buildings and slum clusters situated outside the newly defined 100-metre limit, allowing residents to explore reconstruction and rehabilitation options.
Mumbai North West MP Ravindra Waikar, who had raised the issue with authorities, welcomed the decision. He had highlighted the concerns of affected residents in the Lok Sabha under Rule 377 on December 18, 2025, and sought a review of the restrictions.
Waikar also held discussions with Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and requested intervention from the Centre. Additionally, he approached Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, seeking support in resolving the redevelopment-related challenges.
The matter was also taken up by the Juhu Wireless Affected Residents Association, which submitted a memorandum requesting amendments to the existing regulations to enable redevelopment. Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav had provided a written response on the issue on January 20, 2026.
With the revised notification now effective, redevelopment of unsafe and ageing structures outside the restricted zone can move ahead. The decision is expected to improve housing conditions, enhance safety and provide relief to residents who have been awaiting redevelopment opportunities in Juhu for years.
Source: The Free Press Journal
