Centre Reduces Juhu Defence No-Construction Zone to 100 Metres

Mumbai's Juhu residents have received a major relief as the Ministry of Defence has reduced the restricted construction zone around the Signal Transmitting Station from 500 metres to 100 metres.

The Central Government issued a notification on August 3, 2026, under Section 3 of the Works of Defence Act, 1903, superseding the earlier S.R.O. 150 notification dated May 15, 1976. The new notification declares that restrictions under Section 7(c) of the Act will now apply only to land situated within 100 metres from the crest of the outer parapet of the Signal Transmitting Station at Juhu.

This revised notification is expected to remove one of the biggest hurdles to redevelopment in parts of Juhu, where several old residential buildings have remained in poor condition as redevelopment proposals could not proceed because of the defence restrictions.

Juhu resident B.B. Lakdawala, who has been campaigning for the relaxation of the restrictions for nearly a decade, welcomed the move. Lakdawala argued that with advances in communication technology, signalling has shifted from electromagnetic systems to satellite-based communication, making the old transmission facility far less relevant than when the restrictions were first imposed.

Local BJP MLA Amit Satam also welcomed the Centre's decision, calling it a significant step towards resolving a long-pending issue faced by Juhu residents. Satam said the decision will benefit hundreds of residents who have been waiting for this relief.

The existing military wireless transmission station at Juhu is a pre-World War II Indian Army signalling station and not a conventional defence establishment. The station has historically been governed by the S.R.O. 150 notification issued on June 19, 1976, under Section 3 of the Works of Defence Act, 1903.

The reduction of the restricted zone is expected to pave the way for the redevelopment of several ageing residential buildings that have remained stalled for years due to defence-related restrictions. The 100-metre buffer will remain around the defence installation to ensure its safety and security.

This decision is a significant relief for Juhu residents, who have been waiting for years to redevelop their old and dilapidated buildings. The move is expected to provide safer homes for residents and improve the overall quality of life in the area.

In the context of Mumbai's rapidly growing population and increasing demand for housing, this decision is a step in the right direction. It will help to unlock the potential of Juhu's real estate market and provide a boost to the local economy.

The reduction of the restricted zone is also a testament to the power of citizen activism and the impact that individual efforts can have on policy decisions. Lakdawala's decade-long campaign is an inspiration to others who are fighting for similar causes.

In conclusion, the Centre's decision to reduce the restricted construction zone in Juhu is a major relief for residents and a significant step towards resolving a long-pending issue. It is expected to have a positive impact on the local community and contribute to the overall development of the area.