Mumbai's Ecological Doom: Salt Pans Make Way for Development
The capture of salt pan lands across Mumbai sets a disastrous precedent for the city's ecological future, prioritizing development over flood protection and climate resilience.
MumbaiSalt PansDevelopmentClimate ChangeFloodingReal Estate MaharashtraSep 13, 2024
The salt pans, low-lying areas along the city's coastlines, have long protected Mumbai from flooding by holding water during high tides and heavy rainfall. Along with mangrove patches, they serve as natural buffers and barriers to flooding, housing rich biodiversity.
The real estate lobby has eyed these salt pan lands for decades, and the Maharashtra government's decision to open them up for development is a clear victory for them. However, this move puts the city in peril, ignoring the risks of climate change and the importance of preserving its natural defenses.
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project, a joint venture between Adani Realty Group and the Maharashtra government, aims to redevelop one of the largest slum settlements in the world. However, the project's land acquisition has raised concerns, with the developer accumulating nearly 600 acres of land, including 256 acres of salt pan land, 64 acres of government land, 17 acres at Bandra Kurla Complex, 45 acres of railway land, and nearly 200 acres at Deonar.
The opposition has questioned the need for such large tracts of land, with some arguing that the developer is being gifted nearly 1,250 acres to redevelop a slum half that size. The Dharavi Bachao Andolan has demanded that residents be rehoused in situ, utilizing the existing Floor Space Index to allow for vertical development and rehabilitation.
The amendment of the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules in 2017 and the reclassification of salt pans from CRZ-I category have paved the way for development. However, this move ignores the ecological importance of these areas and the consequences of destroying them.
The writing is clear Mumbai's natural buffers will be deliberately destroyed, leaving the city vulnerable to flooding and heavy rainfall. The city's climate action plan, currently in the works, seems to have been overlooked in this decision.
The consequences of this decision will be far-reaching, and the city's ecological future hangs in the balance. It is imperative that the government and developers reconsider their priorities and prioritize the preservation of Mumbai's natural defenses.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, the nodal agency for salt pans, has stated that the city has nearly 5,300 acres of salt pan land, with 1,780 acres earmarked for development. However, this report has been conveniently ignored, and the salt pans' importance as a natural barrier to flooding has been disregarded.
The question remains why does the Dharavi Redevelopment Project need twice the amount of land it is redeveloping? The search for additional land has led to the long-standing goal of the real estate lobby to open up the salt pan land, but at what cost to the city's ecological future?
In conclusion, the decision to develop Mumbai's salt pan lands is a recipe for disaster, prioritizing short-term gains over long-term sustainability. It is imperative that the government and developers reconsider their priorities and prioritize the preservation of Mumbai's natural defenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project?
The project aims to redevelop one of the largest slum settlements in the world, providing housing and amenities to its residents.
Why are salt pans important for Mumbai's ecology?
Salt pans serve as natural buffers and barriers to flooding, holding water during high tides and heavy rainfall, and housing rich biodiversity.
How much land has the Dharavi Redevelopment Project acquired?
The project has accumulated nearly 600 acres of land, including 256 acres of salt pan land, 64 acres of government land, 17 acres at Bandra Kurla Complex, 45 acres of railway land, and nearly 200 acres at Deonar.
What are the consequences of developing Mumbai's salt pan lands?
The development of salt pan lands will expose the city to increased flood risks, undermine its climate resilience, and destroy its natural defenses.
What can be done to mitigate the effects of this decision?
The government and developers should reconsider their priorities and prioritize the preservation of Mumbai's natural defenses, exploring alternative solutions that balance development with sustainability.
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