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The Maharashtra government has officially approved the acquisition of approximately 256 acres of ecologically sensitive salt-pan land from the Centre to provide housing for residents in Dharavi who do not qualify for homes under the Adani Group-led Dharavi Redevelopment Project. This decision was made on Monday, following the Centre’s consent for the transfer of three salt-pan parcels located in Kanjurmarg, Bhandup, and Mulund. The transfer was sanctioned on September 2 after a request from the state government.
This move has faced significant opposition from Dharavi residents, who advocate for in-situ rehabilitation—a strategy that aims to house residents within their existing neighborhoods. Environmental activists have also criticized the decision, labeling it “an ecologically disastrous choice.” Salt pans, which serve as crucial natural buffers in low-lying areas, play an essential role in absorbing rainfall and preventing excessive flooding in Mumbai.
Government Plans and Opposition
The state government intends to utilize the acquired land to develop rental, low-cost, and affordable housing for the residents deemed ineligible for homes in the Dharavi area. Eligibility for these homes is restricted to residents whose tenements were constructed before January 1, 2000, while others will be offered accommodation in rental projects scattered throughout the city.
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Limited (DRPPL), a special purpose vehicle established by the Maharashtra government in partnership with the Adani Group, will oversee the rehabilitation of residents on the newly acquired land. DRPPL is responsible for paying the lease amount for the salt-pan properties, compensating any lessees affected by the termination of lease agreements, and covering the costs associated with relocating salt-pan workers.
On September 18, Valsa Nair Singh, additional chief secretary of the state housing department, reached out to the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry requesting expedited action for the transfer of the land parcel for use in the redevelopment project. This request was made under the directives of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Environmental Concerns
Environmental advocates have vehemently opposed the government’s plans, warning that converting salt pans into concrete structures could result in severe flooding, reminiscent of the devastating deluge that struck Mumbai in July 2005, where 944mm of rain fell within 24 hours, leading to over a thousand fatalities. Rishi Aggarwal, an environmentalist, highlighted that the areas responsible for protecting Mumbai from flooding will be replaced with cement, exacerbating the city’s vulnerability to climate change and increasing flood risks.
Political parties such as the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have also voiced their objections, criticizing the state government for its collaboration with the Adani Group. Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe emphasized that the government’s actions favor corporate interests over the needs of the local population. NCP spokesperson Mahesh Tapase insisted on the necessity of rehabilitating Dharavi residents within their community, questioning how much land will be designated for the project.
Current Context and Future Developments
The Shiv Sena (UBT), part of the opposition coalition Maha Vikas Aghadi, has refrained from commenting on the latest developments. Previously, a proposal was approved by the undivided Shiv Sena and BJP government to allocate 321 acres of salt-pan land in Mumbai for affordable housing, part of the Development Control and Promotion Regulations 2034 (DCPR 2034), the city’s overarching development strategy.
In Maharashtra, there are nearly 13,000 acres of salt-pan land, with 5,379 acres located in Mumbai. As per DCPR 2034, 1,781 acres are available for development. Current reports indicate that 88.365 acres of salt-pan land across Maharashtra are utilized for office and residential buildings, with 44.563 acres under dispute and 5.822 acres subject to encroachment. In Mumbai, buildings on salt pans are found in areas such as Wadala, Bhandup, and Goregaon, indicating ongoing urban development on sensitive ecological land.
As the state moves forward with its redevelopment plans, the conflict between housing needs, environmental sustainability, and community rights continues to pose challenges in the context of Mumbai’s complex urban landscape.
Sources By Agencies
