The Bombay High Court has directed the central and Maharashtra governments to respond to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the state’s decision to rehabilitate Dharavi residents on salt pan lands in Mulund.
The petition raises serious concerns about the environmental impact of the project, arguing that it could harm Mumbai’s fragile coastal ecosystem. The PIL, filed by a lawyer representing environmental interests, questions the transfer of 255.9 acres of salt pan land from the central government to the state for the purpose of building homes and infrastructure as part of the Dharavi redevelopment project. The Bombay High Court has given the Union and state governments four weeks to submit detailed replies to the petition. Salt pans are natural areas located between the high and low tide lines along the coast. They play a vital role in maintaining the coastal balance, supporting mangroves, estuaries, and other ecosystems that protect against erosion and flooding. The petitioner argues that these areas are crucial for Mumbai’s environmental health and that converting them into residential and commercial spaces will lead to long-term ecological damage.
The Dharavi redevelopment project, which aims to transform one of Mumbai’s most densely populated slum areas into a modern urban hub, includes plans to build rental housing, slum rehabilitation homes, and affordable housing. The Maharashtra government has approved the transfer of these salt pan lands to the state for the project, with the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) responsible for overseeing the land acquisition and the rehabilitation of salt workers. However, the petitioners argue that the decision violates environmental laws and conservation guidelines. They point out that in 2014, the Bombay High Court had directed the Maharashtra government to protect Mumbai’s wetlands, which include salt pans. In 2017, the central government excluded salt pans from the definition of wetlands under conservation rules, which the petitioner claims undermines the efforts to preserve Mumbai’s coastal ecosystems. In 2022, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC) issued a notification emphasising the importance of protecting wetlands. Despite this, the state government approved the transfer of salt pan lands for development, raising questions about the consistency of environmental protection policies.
Environmental experts have raised concerns about the potential impact of such large-scale redevelopment on Mumbai’s ecological balance. The destruction of open spaces, wetlands, and mangroves due to reclamation activities has already contributed to increased flooding and drainage issues in the city. The petitioner argues that turning these lands over to private developers will only worsen these problems, leading to more frequent waterlogging, especially during the monsoon season. The petition also highlights the issue of the “builder-politician nexus,” where powerful real estate developers and political figures are believed to influence decisions that prioritise commercial interests over environmental conservation. The loss of green spaces and natural buffers has already been a major concern in Mumbai, with many areas being reclaimed for commercial and residential projects, leading to reduced water seepage and increased surface runoff. The petitioner warns that the loss of salt pans will not only affect Mumbai’s drainage system but also harm biodiversity. These areas support a variety of plant and animal species, including migratory birds, and play a critical role in maintaining the city’s coastal ecosystem. The destruction of these habitats could lead to the decline of species that are already under threat due to urbanisation and climate change.
The Maharashtra government has defended the project, stating that it is essential for providing affordable housing and improving the living conditions of Dharavi residents. They argue that the land has been carefully selected and that necessary surveys were conducted before approving its use for redevelopment. Additionally, they claim that the project will help alleviate Mumbai’s housing crisis and boost the local economy. However, environmental groups argue that sustainable urban development must consider the long-term impact on the environment. They suggest that the government should focus on redeveloping already degraded areas or using land that does not have ecological significance. Such an approach would help meet the city’s housing needs without compromising environmental conservation. The case has sparked widespread public debate about the balance between urban development and environmental sustainability in Mumbai. The city is already grappling with challenges like flooding, poor drainage, and the loss of green spaces due to rapid urbanisation. The outcome of this case could set an important precedent for how future redevelopment projects are planned and executed in Mumbai and other coastal cities in India.
As the Bombay High Court awaits responses from the central and Maharashtra governments, the case has highlighted the growing need for integrated urban planning that prioritises environmental protection alongside economic development. The city’s future depends on finding a sustainable path that preserves its natural resources while accommodating its growing population and urban demands.In the coming weeks, the court’s decision could shape not only the future of the Dharavi redevelopment project but also the broader discourse on sustainable urban development in India. The case serves as a critical reminder that the choices made today will have lasting impacts on Mumbai’s environment, its people, and its future resilience against climate change.
Dharavi Redevelopment Faces Legal Scrutiny Over Salt Pan Land
