256 Acres of Salt-Pan Land Approved for Dharavi Redevelopment Project

In a significant step toward transforming Dharavi, one of Asia's largest slum clusters, the Maharashtra government has approved the acquisition of 256 acres of salt-pan land in northeast Mumbai. The land, located in Mulund, Kanjurmarg, and Bhandup, will be used to rehabilitate ineligible slum dwellers as part of the ambitious Dharavi redevelopment project led by the Adani Group.

The move aligns with Mumbai’s Development Plan 2034, which earmarks salt-pan lands for affordable housing initiatives. "The sea has not touched these plots since the construction of the Eastern Express Highway. They are no longer flood-prone areas nor fall under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms. Moreover, all required environmental clearances will be secured before any construction begins," said project head Mr. Srinivas.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized the importance of utilizing such lands to ensure the success of urban redevelopment efforts in Mumbai. “Redevelopment of Mumbai is impossible without utilizing salt-pan lands. The central government has already allotted 55 acres in Wadala for the Excise Department complex and 15 acres in Kanjurmarg for the Metro Line 6 car shed,” he stated.

Further details indicate that the land lies adjacent to the Western Express Highway and is located away from environmentally sensitive wetlands known to attract flamingos. “This land remains with the state government, and the Dharavi redevelopment special purpose vehicle, NMDPL, is only required to pay the premium,” Mr. Srinivas added.

He reaffirmed the project's ultimate objective of making Mumbai slum-free, highlighting that development activities would proceed only after all environmental norms are strictly followed.