Maharashtra govt. approves 256 acres of salt pan land for Dharavi redevelopment

Maharashtra government allocates 256 acres for Dharavi Redevelopment Project, addressing environmental concerns, aiming for slum-free Mumbai.

The Maharashtra government has cleared the allocation of 256 acres of salt pan land in Mulund, Kanjurmarg, and Bhandup for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) to rehabilitate ineligible slum dwellers. While environmental concerns have been raised, DRP CEO S.V.R. Srinivas assured that the land is safe for development, having been decommissioned by the Salt Commissioner of India over a decade ago.

“The sea hasn’t touched these plots since the Eastern Express Highway was built. They are no longer flood buffers or under CRZ regulations,” Mr. Srinivas said, adding that all necessary environmental clearances will be obtained before construction. The land lies west of the expressway, away from ecologically sensitive wetlands frequented by flamingos.

The move aligns with Mumbai’s Development Plan 2034, which earmarks salt pan lands for affordable housing. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has stated that without utilising such land, Mumbai’s redevelopment is impossible. The Central government has already allocated 55 acres in Wadala for an excise department complex and 15 acres in Kanjur for Metro Line 6’s car shed.

Critics and Opposition leaders question why housing for the poor faces resistance when infrastructure projects on similar land do not.

Mr. Srinivas clarified that the land remains with the State government, with NMDPL only paying premiums. “This is a human transformation mission, not just housing,” he said, reiterating the project’s goal of a slum-free Mumbai. Work will proceed only after securing all environmental approvals, ensuring compliance with regulations.

(With agency inputs)