Why is salt soil used in homes?: Explained

The story so far: The Government of Maharashtra has issued a GR (Government Resolution) allotting 255.9 hectares of salt land, spread over three parcels of land in the eastern part of Mumbai, for the construction of rental housing in the Dharavi Development Project on lease.

What are salt pans?

Salt flats are naturally important salt flats. They are low-lying areas near the coast that are used to grow salt. They act as catch basins and act as a sponge to absorb rain. They are the natural protection of the flood plain. They help work between the tides, and are home to a variety of plants and animals.

What does the decision entail?

The government has earmarked 255.9 hectares of salt land spread over three parcels of land – 120.5 hectares of land for Arthur Salt Works in Kanjur, 76.9 hectares of land for Jenkins Salt Works in Kanjur and Bhandup, and 58.5 hectares for Jamasp Salt Works – which will come to Mus Abahlali in Dharavi. . Maharashtra has nearly 13,000 hectares of salt land, of which more than 5,000 hectares are located in Mumbai. The document DCPR-2034 (Development Control and Promotion Regulations) states that 1,781 hectares of that land can be developed. The land parcels allotted for the rental houses of the Dharavi project are under the ownership of the Central government. After the Maharashtra government sought these parcels from the Centre, the Union Cabinet approved the proposal in September 2024.

What are the principles of land distribution?

Four conditions have been set for the allocation of land to be given at a concession rate of 25% of the existing rate. The State Government will collect land revenue from Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Limited (DRPPL), a special purpose vehicle (SPV), and pay it to the Central government. DRPPL will bear the cost of resettlement of the workers working on that land, as well as other incidental costs of land acquisition. But court cases and other legal matters will be handled through the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP), a government agency. The land will be used for rental housing, slum rehabilitation, and low-cost housing for the economically weaker sections. DRPPL is an SPV in which the Adani Group subsidiary holds 80% shares and the State government holds 20% shares. The land will be leased to the Maharashtra government for a period of 99 years, and will not be used for commercial activities.

What are the concerns?

Urban planners and environmentalists say impact assessments should be done before large areas are opened up for large-scale projects such as housing. They also said that the salt marsh on the Eastern Express Highway played an important role in keeping the eastern areas flood-free. The most important requirement in relation to the Dharavi project has been in-situ rehabilitation. Urban planners point out that handing over parcels of land in different parts of the city for development by a developer will lead to the formation of ghettos. They also said that the impact of inefficiency in areas that affect the environment must be considered.

What are we still to do?

The Center will hand over the land to the State government, which will give permission to DRPPL to proceed with the construction work after approval of their plans. For that, DRPPL will have to seek permission from the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. Environmentalists say that the entire plan from here on can be challenged in a court of law. As per the GR issued by the Maharashtra government, the case will be handled by the DRP, a government body.