The state government has cleared the allocation of 256 acres of salt pan land in Mumbai’s eastern suburbs for the much-awaited Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP).
This bold step seeks to accelerate the transformation of one of the largest informal settlements in Asia while addressing the city’s long-standing housing crisis. The approved land, located across Kanjurmarg, Bhandup, and Mulund, has not been used for salt production for over a decade and was officially decommissioned years ago. Officials overseeing the redevelopment project stated that the areas are no longer ecologically active salt pans, with no tidal flow or saltwater intrusion, particularly since the construction of major infrastructure projects like the Eastern Expressway that altered their original hydrology. These parcels are intended to house families who do not qualify for free units under the DRP but still fall within the affordable housing bracket. The cleared land will be critical in rehabilitating thousands of residents from congested and unsanitary living conditions, offering them access to dignified and structurally safe homes, while reducing the overall burden on central Mumbai’s overcrowded neighbourhoods.
Although environmental concerns have been raised over the use of salt pan land for construction, officials have clarified that the approved sites lie on the western side of the Expressway—outside the boundaries of sensitive wetlands and bird habitats. The actual ecological zones, including areas that attract migratory birds such as flamingos, are situated to the east and will remain unaffected. The government has emphasised that all necessary environmental clearances will be obtained before initiating construction, and the project will adhere to modern green building standards to minimise ecological impact. In addition, no construction will proceed without thorough hydrological studies and impact assessments to ensure flood resilience and climate adaptability.
The state’s Development Plan 2034 had already identified salt pan lands as potential zones for affordable housing. Urban planning experts argue that the city must pragmatically utilise underused land that poses no ecological threat to meet its massive housing demand. Mumbai’s projected need of one million affordable homes by 2021 included over 3.5 lakh units for economically weaker sections. Without unlocking these land banks, they warn, the city could see further deterioration in both living standards and environmental stability. Multiple public infrastructure projects have already been executed on salt pan lands in the past, including transport facilities and government housing, reinforcing the case for their viability. Officials involved in the DRP argue that if such lands are deemed fit for critical infrastructure like metro car sheds and government staff quarters, they are equally suitable for building secure, affordable homes for the urban poor.
This development is also expected to ease pressure on central Mumbai’s infrastructure and bring equitable growth to the eastern suburbs. The DRP has been designed not just as a housing project, but as a comprehensive socio-economic upliftment strategy that includes education, healthcare, skill development, and improved urban amenities. By resettling affected families closer to employment hubs and mass transit systems, the project also aims to reduce commute times and carbon emissions, contributing to the city’s larger climate goals. While the redevelopment project faces legal challenges and civic scrutiny, planners assert that long-term urban stability depends on forward-thinking policies that serve both people and the planet. Ignoring these land parcels, they argue, would be a missed opportunity to reimagine urban India in a way that is equitable, inclusive, and environmentally resilient.
As the city prepares to break ground on what could be one of the most transformative housing projects in its history, the spotlight will remain on how responsibly this development is carried out. If executed with transparency, ecological diligence, and community participation, the DRP could emerge as a landmark model for urban renewal across the country.
State Approves 256 Acres of Salt Pan Land for Dharavi redevelopment
