Maharashtra Approves 256 Acres of Salt Pan Land for Developing Dharavi

Context:

• The Maharashtra government has approved the allocation of 256 acres of salt pan land in Mumbai for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP).

• Dharavi, often referred to as Asia’s largest slum, is a critical focus area for urban renewal, affordable housing, and inclusive governance.

Key Highlights:

Land Allocation for Redevelopment

• The state cleared 256 acres of salt pan land located in:

  • Mulund

  • Kanjurmarg

  • Bhandup

• This land will be used to support the Dharavi Redevelopment Project’s objective of:

  • Rehabilitating eligible slum dwellers

  • Providing dignified housing and basic services

• The project aims at large-scale urban transformation in Mumbai.

Environmental Compliance & Planning

• The land was declared safe for construction by the Salt Commissioner more than a decade ago.

• Authorities clarified that the land lies:

  • West of the Eastern Express Highway

  • Away from ecologically sensitive wetlands

• Construction will begin only after obtaining mandatory:

  • Environmental clearances

  • Regulatory approvals under sustainability norms

Policy Framework & Strategic Alignment

• The move aligns with Mumbai’s Development Plan 2034, which permits the use of salt pan lands for:

  • Affordable housing

  • Public infrastructure projects

• The Union government has also allocated land for:

  • An Excise complex

  • Metro Line 6 development

• This reflects coordinated Centre–State urban planning.

Political & Social Dimensions

• The Dharavi redevelopment has been described as a:

  • Human transformation mission, not merely housing construction

• Opposition voices raised concerns regarding:

  • Use of prime land for slum housing instead of high-value infrastructure

  • Need for transparency and fairness in beneficiary selection

Governance and Urban Development Challenges

• Redeveloping Dharavi involves balancing:

  • Housing rights of the urban poor

  • Environmental sustainability

  • Land use equity in a megacity

Relevant Prelims Points:

• Issue: Slum rehabilitation and land allocation in Mumbai

• Dharavi: Asia’s largest slum, major redevelopment focus

• Salt pan lands: Traditionally reserved, now permitted for housing under DP 2034

• Approvals Needed: Environmental clearance, planning permissions

• Stakeholders: Maharashtra govt, Union govt, slum dwellers, environmental regulators

Relevant Mains Points:

• Concepts: Inclusive urban governance, affordable housing, sustainable redevelopment

• Significance:

  • Improves living standards of slum residents

  • Supports planned urban expansion

  • Reflects government role in social justice

• Concerns:

  • Ecological impact if wetlands are affected

  • Political contestation over land use

  • Need for transparency in rehabilitation

• Way Forward:

  • Ensure participatory planning with community involvement

  • Maintain strict environmental safeguards

  • Promote sustainable urban development models integrating housing, transport, and green spaces

UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):