Dharavi Redevelopment Project: Decommissioned 256-Acre Salt Pan Land In Mulund, Kanjur, Bhandup Approved For Rehabilitation

The Maharashtra government has sanctioned the development of 256 acres of decommissioned salt pan land in Mulund, Kanjurmarg, and Bhandup to relocated Dharavi residents who are not eligible for rehabilitation within Dharavi.

“These land parcels were decommissioned by the Salt Commissioner nearly a decade ago. No salt production has happened there since then, and tidal water has never reached these plots post the construction of the Eastern Expressway," Dharavi Redevelopment Project CEO S V R Srinivas was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

"There is no issue in constructing affordable housing here. Unless we take such judicious steps today, Mumbai will struggle to cope with its growing population,” Srinivas added.

Srinivas noted that the land is to the west of the Eastern Expressway, away from creeks or migratory bird-attracting wetlands, and hence don’t fall under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) limits.

“The project will comply with all environmental norms and take off only after the necessary green clearances are obtained,” he added.

Salt pan lands have figured in Mumbai’s development blueprints for years.

The 2034 city plan had already designated them for affordable homes.

Earlier, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had also remarked that Mumbai’s redevelopment would be impossible without utilizing salt pan lands.

The land use plan of DPR reportedly follows other precedents.

The Central government's Excise and Customs Department has already constructed an office and residential complex on 55 acres of salt pan land in Wadala

Similarly, 15 acres at Kanjur have been reserved for the car shed of Metro Line 6.

The erstwhile MVA government had even decided to utilise the land at Kanjur for a shared car shed for four metro lines.

Srinivas clarified the land is being handed over from the Centre to Maharashtra, and the title will always remain with the state.

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