5 Mumbai Locations Facing Property Construction Restrictions
5 Mumbai Locations Facing Property Construction Restrictions
Various areas in the city have restrictions on construction, primarily due to the proximity of defence installations or aviation signalling radars.
31st May 2024
Recently the Godrej Properties project, estimated to generate around Rs 7,000 crore in revenue, was under scrutiny by the Defence Ministry due to security-related concerns. The Defence Ministry has raised objections to a residential project in Mumbai and requested a halt in construction. The ministry cited the project’s proximity to the Central Ordnance Depot (COD) complex in Kandivali and expressed concerns about potential risks.
According to the guidelines issued by the Government of India in May 2011, construction activities within a radius of 100 metres from the perimeter wall of Defence Establishments are prohibited. Additionally, construction of up to a maximum of four storeys (ground plus three) is only allowed within a distance of 100 to 500 metres after obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Defence Department.
Other than the Godrej project, numerous developments in Mumbai have encountered challenges from defence authorities. Various areas in the city have restrictions on construction, primarily due to the proximity of defence installations or aviation signalling radars. Additionally, there are environmental constraints, particularly in coastal regulation zones (CRZ).
The Kandivali project by Godrej Properties has faced complications.
The Defence Ministry, in correspondence with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), requested a “stop work notice” for the Godrej Properties project in Kandivali due to its proximity to the area within 500 metres. In their communication to the BMC, defence authorities stated that construction of up to four storeys (ground plus three) is only allowed within a range of 100 to 500 metres, provided a no objection certificate (NOC) is obtained from the defence department. Any construction within a 500-metre radius from the perimeter wall of an army establishment without securing an NOC is against the current regulations outlined in the guidelines.
In a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) on 24th May, it was stated by GPL that no communication regarding any non-compliance has been received from any relevant authority. It was further mentioned that all necessary approvals from concerned authorities have been obtained for the development of the Godrej Reserve project, and it is ensured that all approvals related to the project are intact, as per GPL.
Juhu
Due to restrictions imposed by Defence Authorities, redevelopment projects or refurbishment of old buildings worth approximately ₹20,000 crore in the Juhu area of Mumbai are either stalled or have not commenced.
The Juhu Wireless Affected Residents Association (JWARA), representing over 20,000 families in the Juhu area of Mumbai, also submitted a letter to the Mumbai Civic Body, commonly known as Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), seeking redevelopment approvals that have been pending for nearly two decades.
Ghatkopar and Colaba
Restrictions imposed by the Indian Navy prohibit constructions within 50 metres of highly sensitive installations. Consequently, projects in these areas still necessitate a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Defence authorities. Civic officials stated, “As a result, we are refraining from granting permissions to developers for construction near Indian Navy establishments.”
Mahim
Due to Coastal Regulations Zone (CRZ) norms, numerous restrictions on construction are enforced, particularly in areas near the sea. These norms aim to safeguard coastal ecology and the environment. Nevertheless, amendments have been made periodically due to redevelopment projects of old buildings in the city facing obstacles.
In Mumbai, areas such as Mahim and Charni Road, being situated close to the sea, have experienced hindrances in the construction or redevelopment of numerous old buildings.
According to a civic official quoted by The Hindustan Times, “About a year ago, the Central government issued several relaxations on CRZ regulations, which subsequently accelerated redevelopment activities in South Mumbai and Central Mumbai.”
Kandivali and Malad
Developers active in the Kandivali and Malad areas have stated to HT Digital that these regions are close to the Central Ordnance Depot (COD) of the Defence Authorities, resulting in height restrictions in the vicinity. Consequently, the redevelopment of numerous old buildings in these areas is stalled due to these restrictions.
Dahisar
BMC officials have stated that since January 2021, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has enforced new construction height restrictions within a 2-kilometre radius around the Dahisar toll naka area in Mumbai.
The reduction in allowable building height due to these restrictions has led to repercussions for apartment redevelopment and new developments in specific locations. Real estate developers operating in the area have highlighted that projects with a potential value of nearly ₹7,000 crore are currently stalled because of these height restrictions.
