Bombay HC Challenges Dharavi Redevelopment Plan Impacting Coastal Ecosystem

In Mumbai, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Bombay High Court against the Maharashtra government's plan to relocate residents affected by the Dharavi Redevelopment Project to salt pan lands in Mulund. The PIL, initiated by advocate Sagar Devre, contends that this relocation will severely harm the fragile coastal ecosystem, which has already been impacted by various reclamation projects in the region. The petition challenges two government resolutions from August and September that approved the transfer of 255.9 acres of salt pan lands for rehabilitation purposes. The petitioner highlights a previous High Court directive from 2014 that mandated the protection of wetlands, which the state government has seemingly overlooked. In 2017, the Central government redefined wetlands, excluding salt pans from this classification, which has raised concerns about environmental protection. Despite a recent notification aimed at safeguarding wetlands, the state has moved forward with plans to utilize these lands for affordable housing and slum rehabilitation. The petition argues that the salt pans are vital components of the ecosystem, providing natural protection to the coastline through mangroves and wetlands. The government's decision to lease these lands to private developers for construction poses a significant threat to the environment, potentially leading to severe ecological consequences. The cabinet's decision to expedite housing schemes has further intensified the urgency of the situation. As the case unfolds, the implications for both the residents of Dharavi and the coastal ecosystem remain critical, with the potential for long-lasting environmental damage if the project proceeds as planned.