The recent approval by the central government to transfer 256 acres of salt pan land for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project has sparked significant environmental and ecological concerns. This decision, completed earlier this month, represents a critical juncture in Mumbai’s urban development strategy, posing serious risks to the city’s flood resilience.
Salt pans, traditionally viewed as vital ecological buffers, play a crucial role in mitigating flood risks by absorbing and holding excess water during high tides and heavy rains. These low-lying areas, part of Mumbai’s natural defence system, are essential in preventing the city from being overwhelmed by flooding. The decision to repurpose these lands for development, particularly for the Dharavi project, undermines this natural safeguard. The Dharavi Redevelopment Project, a joint venture between Adani Realty Group and the Maharashtra government, aims to overhaul one of the largest slum settlements in the world.
The project has long faced criticism for its scale and approach, and the recent acquisition of salt pan lands has only intensified scrutiny. The transport of 256 acres from this ecological reserve is perceived as a misguided move, especially given the state government’s purported commitment to addressing climate change and enhancing climate resilience. The new routes for development include not only the salt pans but also other significant land parcels across the city, such as government lands in Mulund and Bandra Kurla Complex, railway lands, and more. This extensive land acquisition has led to questions about the necessity and scale of the redevelopment effort. Critics argue that the project’s need for additional land—amounting to nearly 1,250 acres—far exceeds what is required for the slum redevelopment, which itself spans approximately 600 acres.
The Dharavi Bachao Andolan and opposition leaders have raised concerns about the appropriateness of using salt pan lands for this project. They highlight that the real estate lobby’s long-standing ambition to develop these lands is now being realised at a significant ecological cost. The salt pans, classified as wetlands and historically protected under Coastal Regulation Zone rules, have been stripped of their safeguards in recent years, facilitating such developments despite their critical environmental role.
As Mumbai faces increasing challenges from climate change, the ongoing transformation of salt pan lands into development zones could exacerbate the city’s vulnerability to flooding. The MMRDA’s own reports have acknowledged the protective function of salt pans, underscoring the dissonance between environmental needs and urban development goals. This decision reflects a broader trend where immediate developmental gains are prioritised over long-term environmental sustainability. As Mumbai continues to grapple with its climate action plans and flood management strategies, the fate of its salt pans serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for a balanced approach to urban development that respects and preserves natural ecosystems.
