Residents impacted by Juhu wireless station form association

The 1976 order issued under the Works of the Defence Act limits the height of structures in the vicinity of the signalling station to a maximum of 15.24 metres

MUMBAI: Residents of Juhu circle living close to the military wireless transmission station on Sunday protested against a restriction on the redevelopment of buildings within a 500-yard radius from the signalling station under a 1976 order.

Members of Juhu wireless affected residence association protested a rule that imposes height restriction on redeveloped buildings near the signalling station at Juhu, in Mumbai. (HT Photo/Vijay Bate)

The SRO 150 rule, issued on June 19, 1976, under the Works of the Defence Act, limits the height of structures in the vicinity of the signalling station to a maximum of 15.24 metres in view of the potential of obstruction to radio signal.

Residents said the army started enforcing the height restriction in 2011 after controversies against the backdrop of the controversy around the Adarsh housing case that broke out a year earlier.

“In 2011, when the army refused NOC (no objection certificate) to buildings, the redevelopment of several buildings was in progress. The original buildings were demolished by the builder and residents were staying on rent. The slum redevelopment authority had also given approval to a project in Moga village and even CC (competent advisor) was issued. But, all these were stopped. 11 years have passed, and there is no sign of the Centre doing anything to withdraw the circular despite our repeated appeals and letters to everyone from MLAs, MPs to the Defence Minister and the PM,” said BB Lakdawala, who organised the protest meeting held on Sunday and formed the Juhu Wireless Affected Residents Association.

Lakdawala said several families are losing hope due to the delay in the resolution of their grievance

He said Manohar Parrikar favoured reducing the 500-yard distance when he was defence minister but this decision was set aside. Lakdawala cited communications received from the defence ministry to underline that a decision on their appeals will be taken.

Residents said either the signalling station should have relocated or they should be compensated so that they can shift out.

Bharatiya Janata Party legislator Ameet Satam, who was also present at the meeting, asked the residents to be patient as the issue involves defence and national security.

“I met our leader deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and apprised him of the issue. He assured me that he will speak to the people concerned in this regard. This is a genuine issue for the residents, but it concerns defence,” Satam said.