Mumbai's Slum Rehabilitation on Saltpan and Mangrove Lands Reduced to 65%

Mumbai:

The government has revised its policy on slum rehabilitation on Mumbai's saltpan and mangrove plots, reducing the permissible construction area from 80% to 65%. The remaining 35% is designated for open space amenities to be managed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). This decision follows seven months after the initial plan to restrict construction in these eco-sensitive areas was implemented.

Special Development Zones (SDZs)

Saltpan and mangrove lands, once classified as no-development zones, were reclassified as Special Development Zones (SDZs) to facilitate high-density slum redevelopment. The revised regulation, now open for public objections and suggestions, aims to amend regulation 33(8) and regulation 34 of the Development Control and Promotion Regulations 2034 (DCPR 2034).

Citizen Concerns

While this reduction in construction area seems beneficial for Mumbai's environment, activists warn that any construction on these eco-sensitive lands could have dire consequences. These areas act as crucial environmental safeguards against natural disasters like flooding. Transforming them into reserved public open spaces, including recreation grounds, playgrounds, gardens, and parks, is seen as an attempt to mislead the public.

Environmental Impact

Activists argue that developing open spaces on SDZ lands is not feasible due to their ecological sensitivity. They emphasize the importance of preserving these lands to maintain the city’s resilience against climate catastrophes. They also highlight that there is sufficient land within existing slums to accommodate redevelopment needs without encroaching on these vital eco-sensitive zones.

Alternative Solutions

The government is urged to focus on redeveloping already notified slums and using vacant industrial plots for affordable housing. A recent notification invites public input on a proposal to allow affordable housing on such plots across Maharashtra, excluding Mumbai. This proposal includes selling one-fourth of the tenements as service quarters for domestic staff, thus addressing both residential and employment needs.

Affordable Housing Initiatives

The revised proposal aims to rehabilitate factory workers, staff, and tenants from erstwhile industrial plots, with the remaining units to be offered to the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) for allocation. This balanced approach seeks to meet the housing demand while safeguarding Mumbai’s environmental resources.

This revised plan underscores the need to balance development with environmental conservation. By prioritizing sustainable urban development, Mumbai can address its housing challenges without compromising its ecological integrity.