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Use of Salt Pan Land for Housing: Controversy and Ecological Concerns
Context:
- The Maharashtra government has allocated 255.9 acres of salt pan land in Mumbai for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, sparking controversy due to environmental and urban planning concerns.
- This decision raises questions about the ecological importance of salt pans and the implications of using these lands for housing.
Background:
- In October 2024, the Maharashtra government allocated 255.9 acres of salt pan land in Mumbai’s eastern suburbs for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP).
- The objective is to construct rental houses for residents displaced from the slum area of Dharavi.
- The decision has ignited a debate among urban planners, environmentalists, and government officials regarding its ecological and urban planning implications.
What Are Salt Pans?
- Salt pans are low-lying coastal areas where salt is cultivated through seawater evaporation.
- Ecological Importance:
- Act as natural sponges, absorbing rainwater and mitigating flood risks.
- Support intertidal activities and host diverse flora and fauna.
- Serve as a natural defence against storms and flooding.
The Maharashtra Government’s Decision:
- Total Salt Pan Land: Approximately 13,000 acres in Maharashtra, with 5,378 acres in Mumbai.
- Land Allocation:
- Arthur Salt Works, Kanjur: 120.5 acres
- Jenkins Salt Works, Kanjur and Bhandup: 76.9 acres
- Jamasp Salt Works, Mulund: 58.5 acres
- These parcels are part of the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) 2034 plan, which opens 1,781 acres of salt pan land for development.
- Ownership: The allocated lands are owned by the Central government, which approved the transfer to Maharashtra in September 2024.
Terms for Land Allocation:
- Leased for 99 years at 25% of the prevailing market rate.
- Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Limited (DRPPL) will manage costs and bear expenses for labour resettlement.
- The land can only be used for rental housing, slum rehabilitation, and affordable housing for economically weaker sections, prohibiting commercial activities.
Concerns from Urban Planners & Environmentalists:
- Ecological Impact:
- Salt pan lands play a crucial role in flood protection.
- Call for an impact assessment study before large-scale development.
- Formation of Ghettos:
- Relocating residents to different areas risks creating isolated ghettos instead of integrated communities.
- Emphasis on in-situ rehabilitation (resettlement within the original locality).
- Legal Challenges:
- Potential legal disputes regarding environmental clearances.
- Environmentalists may challenge the decision based on ecological concerns.
What Lies Ahead?
- The Central government will transfer the land to Maharashtra, which will provide clearance to DRPPL for construction.
- DRPPL must obtain approvals from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for construction plans.
- Environmentalists argue that the entire process can be challenged legally, highlighting the need for thorough impact studies.
Conclusion:
- The decision to use salt pan lands for housing developments raises significant concerns about the balance between addressing urban housing needs and protecting the environment.
- As salt pan lands are essential for flood defence, careful assessment of ecological impacts is crucial to prevent long-term consequences in Mumbai‘s urban landscape.