“In a significant development for Mumbai's ambitious Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP), the state government has addressed growing concerns over the use of salt pan lands for resettlement, assuring citizens that the identified parcels pose no environmental or structural risks.”
Amid public apprehension regarding the environmental viability of salt pan lands, the Maharashtra government has stepped forward to clarify that the land earmarked for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project is both safe and suitable for construction. Approximately 256 acres of salt pan land located in Mulund, Kanjurmarg, and Bhandup have been officially approved for resettlement purposes.
Officials emphasized that these land parcels were decommissioned several years ago by the Salt Commissioner of India, with no salt manufacturing activity taking place for nearly a decade. Furthermore, the construction of the Eastern Expressway has significantly altered tidal patterns in the region, preventing seawater from reaching these lands altogether.
Speaking on the matter, SVR Srinivas, CEO of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, remarked:"Years ago, these parcels were officially decommissioned by the salt commissioner of India. No salt manufacturing has been happening there for nearly a decade now. The sea water never even reached these areas after the construction of the Eastern Expressway. There is no issue with the construction of affordable housing there and, unless we take such judicious steps today, the city could crumble under the population burden in the coming years."
These salt pan lands had already been earmarked for affordable housing in the Development Plan 2034, which was approved back in 2018. The state’s decision aligns with long-term urban planning goals and is seen as a strategic move to accommodate Mumbai’s ever-growing population while ensuring environmentally responsible development.
By addressing both the environmental safety and the urgency of urban expansion, the state government is paving the way for one of Mumbai’s most transformative urban renewal efforts in recent times.
0 comments
Be the first to comment.