News Brief
Shiv Sena Leader Defends Dharavi Redevelopment Amidst Environmental Controversy, Accuses Opposition Of Delaying Project
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project. (Johnny Miller Photography)
Shiv Sena's MP Rahul Ramesh Shewale, representing the Eknath Shinde faction, has accused opposition parties of scheming to stall the Dharavi Redevelopment Project.
He has claimed that they were spreading misinformation among Dharavi residents regarding transit camps and environmental concerns, as per a report by The Indian Express.
Despite this, Shewale affirmed that the Eknath Shinde-led state government remains committed to commencing the Dharavi Redevelopment Project promptly.
On 5 February, the state cabinet approved a proposal to acquire 283 acres of Mumbai saltpan land from the Centre for the project, spanning Kanjurmarg, Wadala and Bhandup.
This land will be transferred to Adani Realty for constructing a rental housing scheme for "ineligible" slum dwellers from Dharavi.
Opposition parties and environmentalists have raised concerns about potential environmental harm from construction on the saltpan land.
However, Shewale pointed out that the Mumbai Development Plan 2034 approved in 2018 deemed this saltpan site as not environmentally sensitive, with permissions already granted for construction.
He questioned why those currently opposing the project did not voice objections when the development plan was approved in 2018 under the then Shiv Sena-BJP government.
Shewale also stated, “All these Saltpan lands are on the western side of the Eastern Expressway and there are no CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) restrictions, wetlands, or mangrove forest in this area. Also, the central government customs department has its office and staff colony on the saltpan site at Wadala. Therefore, there is no truth in the allegation regarding the environment.”
Regarding the Dharavi residents, Shewale stressed the importance of conducting a socio-economic survey to gather accurate information about them and their housing situation, which would aid in expediting the redevelopment process.
He urged Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to initiate this survey to ensure comprehensive development and provide additional opportunities to the residents as part of the project.
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