Why in the News?

The Maharashtra government allocated 255.9 acres of salt pan land across three parcels in Mumbai’s eastern suburbs for rental housing under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. 

What is the Maharashtra government doing to relocate people?

• Allocation of Land for Housing: The Maharashtra government has issued a Government Resolution (GR) allocating 255.9 acres of salt pan land for the construction of rental housing as part of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. This land is to be used for slum rehabilitation and affordable housing for economically weaker sections.
• Lease Agreement: The land parcels will be leased to the Maharashtra government for 99 years, with the objective of providing housing for residents displaced from Dharavi.
• Involvement of Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV): The Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Limited (DRPPL), in which an Adani Group entity holds 80% stake and the State government has a 20% stake, is responsible for the construction and resettlement of laborers working on the land.
• Concessional Rate for Land: The land is being provided at a concessional rate of 25% of the prevailing market rate, making it more accessible for development.

Why is the move controversial?

• Environmental Concerns: Urban planners and environmentalists have raised concerns about the lack of an impact assessment study before developing large parcels of salt pan land.
• Risk of Ghetto Formation: Critics argue that relocating residents to different parts of the city, rather than in-situ rehabilitation (keeping them in their original areas), could lead to the formation of ghettos and further social segregation.

Are salt pan lands ecologically important?

• Ecological Role: Salt pan lands are vital as salt marshlands that serve as holding ponds, absorbing rainwater and acting as natural sponges, thereby helping to mitigate flooding.
• Biodiversity: These areas support diverse flora and fauna, contributing to the ecological balance of coastal regions.
• Natural Defense: The salt pan lands provide a coastal area’s natural defense against flooding and other environmental hazards, highlighting their importance in maintaining regional ecological health.

Way forward: 

• Integrate Environmental Assessments with Development Planning: The Maharashtra government should implement a framework that integrates environmental impact assessments into the planning process for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project.
• Adopt a Community-Centric Approach to Resettlement: The government should engage with affected communities to explore in-situ rehabilitation options and gather input on their housing needs.

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now