AAI Radar Relocation to Unlock 1,000 Acres for Affordable Housing in Dahisar

Mumbai:
The Airports Authority of India’s (AAI) high-frequency radar at Dahisar will be shifted to another location. The move is expected to free up nearly 1,000 acres of land spread over 6 km for affordable housing and redevelopment projects in North Mumbai, Civil Aviation Minister Mr. K Ram Mohan and Mr.Naidu said.

The decision was taken after discussions involving the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Union government, the Maharashtra government, and the AAI. Maharashtra Chief Minister Mr. Devendra Fadnavis said the state government has agreed to bear the cost of shifting the radar and will also provide alternative land.

Speaking at a virtual meeting, Mr. Naidu said the civil aviation ministry will seek Cabinet approval so that work on long-pending housing projects can begin at the earliest.

At present, radar installations at Dahisar and Juhu limit building heights, slowing development in many parts of North Mumbai. Addressing the legislative assembly, Mr. Fadnavis said the state government has decided to move the high-frequency radar centres from both locations to more suitable sites.

“The issue was impacting the urban development projects in North Mumbai. Due to this, some lakh people were being forced to live in old, dilapidated buildings. Now with this decision, the dream of the people of Dahisar to have a house of their own is going to be fulfilled,” Mr. Naidu said.
He added that the radar shift will be completed with support from all concerned departments, including the Union and state governments and the civil aviation ministry.

“We are also laying the foundation for affordable housing in Dahisar as some 1,000 acres of land spread in 6 km will be released for housing projects for the people of Dahisar,” he said.

With more land becoming available, Dahisar is expected to see better housing options and more planned development, he added.

The government has also suggested another site at Juhu for technical study by the AAI. Once the study is completed and the site is approved, the process to shift the Juhu radar will begin.
After the radar centres are moved, redevelopment of buildings in Dahisar and Juhu (DN Nagar) areas will become possible, Mr. Fadnavis said.

“This decision balances housing needs with aviation safety. It will bring relief to thousands of families and accelerate economic development in the region,” he said.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Mr. Piyush Goyal, who represents the North Mumbai constituency, said the decision came after years of effort and close coordination between the Centre and the state government.

“This was not an easy issue. After many years of consistent follow-up, this historic decision has become possible through close coordination between the central and state governments. In the coming months, all stalled projects will begin at a rapid pace, and North Mumbai will move forward towards becoming an ‘Uttam Mumbai’,” he said.

He added that over the next five years, an estimated 50,000 homes will be built or redeveloped, which will also create jobs and improve housing conditions in the area.

By Sana Khan
Executive Editor, Realty Quarter