Mumbai: Maharashtra Government Proposes Salt Pan Utilization for Dharavi Redevelopment
Mumbai, 6th February 2024: The Maharashtra government has put forth a proposal to the central government concerning the utilization of 283.4 acres of salt pans located in Bhandup and Kanjur, within Mumbai’s eastern suburbs. The objective of this initiative is to establish transit camps for slum dwellers as part of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP). Additionally, a segment of the land will be designated for rental accommodations to cater to individuals ineligible for complimentary tenements.
Following deliberations within the state cabinet, the proposal garnered approval. The plan entails leasing the salt pans, which serve as vital open spaces and rainwater holding ponds, to DRP Private Limited, an entity formed by Adani Realty, for a lease term of 99 years.
Ownership of the salt pans is shared between the central and state governments, with portions along the eastern express highway (EEH) already allocated to lessees, including Arthur Salt Works, Jenkins Salt Works, Jamasp Salt Works, and Agar Sulemansah land.
The proposed action involves identifying land under the central government’s jurisdiction for leasing to DRP, while state-owned parcels will be facilitated by the collectorates. The state will pay market rent to the central government for its share of the land from the acquisition date onwards and will also bear the costs associated with resettling and rehabilitating salt pan workers.
Given the urgency to finalize the proposal before the onset of the Lok Sabha polls’ code of conduct, an alternative plan was pursued after facing local opposition to the initial consideration of allocating two plots in Mulund.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) surveyed in 2018, identifying challenges such as Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) regulations, legal disputes, and limited developable areas affecting salt pans in Mumbai.
DRP Private Limited has committed to providing 350 sq ft houses to all Dharavi residents, exceeding the size offered in other projects. Ineligible residents will benefit from an affordable rental housing policy based on state-defined criteria.
Environmentalists have raised concerns regarding the potential impact of this development on Mumbai’s open spaces and ecological balance, emphasizing the importance of preserving salt pans in compliance with CRZ and wetland regulations. They advocate exploring alternative approaches for Dharavi’s development to safeguard crucial environmental resources.
