Mumbai: Centre reduces Juhu military station buffer zone, easing land restrictions

The Centre has reduced the restricted zone around the Juhu Signal Transmitting Station from 457.20 metres (500 yards) to 100 metres. Representational pic

The Ministry of Defence has notified revised restrictions on land around the Signal Transmitting Station at Juhu in Mumbai, reducing the restricted zone from 457.20 metres (500 yards) to 100 metres from the crest of the outer parapet of the station.

The formal order was issued through a Gazette of India (Extraordinary) notification, SRO 33(E), dated August 3, 2026, and signed by Preeti Meena, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence.

Issued under Section 3 of the Works of Defence Act, 1903, the notification supersedes the earlier government order SRO 150 dated May 15, 1976, except for actions already taken or omitted before the supersession.

Under the revised notification, restrictions specified under clause (c) of Section 7 of the Works of Defence Act will apply to land within 100 metres of the crest of the outer parapet of the Signal Transmitting Station in the Juhu area.

The Ministry stated that the restrictions are necessary to ensure that the designated land remains free from buildings and other obstructions.

The Schedule attached to the notification defines the restricted area as: "All the land comprised in the area lying within a distance of one hundred meters from the crest of the outer parapet of the Signal Transmitting Station, Juhu, Mumbai, in the State of Maharashtra."

Juhu defence zone reduced from 500 yards to 100 metres under new notification

The restrictions came into effect from the date of publication of the notification in the Official Gazette. A sketch plan of the demarcated area can be inspected at the office of the Sub-Divisional Officer, Buildings and Roads, Santacruz, Mumbai District.

The earlier 1976 notification had imposed the same category of restrictions on land within 457.20 metres (500 yards) of the station. The latest order reduces the statutory restricted zone to 100 metres while retaining restrictions on construction and other obstructions within the notified area.

The revised boundary is expected to provide greater clarity for property owners, housing societies, developers and civic authorities dealing with plots located near the station. However, the notification does not override other applicable approvals or restrictions under municipal, aviation or planning regulations.

The order is part of the Centre's exercise of powers under the Works of Defence Act to regulate land use around specified defence installations.