Defence ministry rejected plea in 2004

In November 2004, the then defence minister, Pranab Mukherjee, had turned down a request from Dehu Road Cantonment Board’s ex-vice president, Nandkumar Jadhav, for cancellation of the 2,000-yard ‘Red Zone’ around the Dehu Road Ammunition Depot.

Jadhav, in his June 2004 letter, had asked for cancellation of the defence ministry’s notification relating to the usage of land falling within 2,000 yards from the outer perimeter wall of the Ammunition Depot.

Jadhav had asked for withdrawal of the ban on construction imposed on the land, citing injustice to the farmers. His letter was also sent to Union agriculture minister, Sharad Pawar, and was accompanied by a memorandum signed by the villagers of Chinchole.
In reply, Mukherjee said, “I have had the matter examined. It has been reported that the Ammunition Depot, Dehu Road, is a sensitive establishment and it is necessary to impose restrictions for further constructions around the depot in the larger interest of safety of the local residents and the general pubic.”
While refuting Jadhav’s apprehension that this notification will adversely affect the farmers of the area, Mukherjee’s letter said agricultural activities could be carried out within the security zone.
Citing the greater need of security, Mukherjee turned down the request for withdrawing the ‘Red Zone’ of 2,000 yards around the ammunition depot.