Advertisement
The state urban development department has named the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) and Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) as special planning authorities for the 42.51-acre Jamasp Salt Pan land in Mulund East and the 8.5-hectare Kurla Dairy land. These parcels form part of the 256-acre land approved by the Centre for the Dharavi redevelopment, aimed at housing ineligible residents through rental units. Navbharat Mega Developers Pvt Ltd, the special purpose vehicle for the project, paid INR 320 crore for the Salt Pan land, which it took possession of earlier this year.
The state urban development department has appointed the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) and Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) as the special planning authorities for the 42.51-acre Jamasp Salt Pan land in Mulund East and the 8.5-hectare Kurla Dairy land. Both land parcels are part of the larger 256-acre area approved by the Centre for the Dharavi rehabilitation project. These lands are planned to be used for rental housing for those residents who are not eligible for free in-situ accommodation within Dharavi. Advertisement
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project and SRA function under Navbharat Mega Developers Pvt Ltd (NMDPL), which was formed as a special purpose vehicle for implementing the project. According to officials, NMDPL paid INR 320 crore to the Salt Commissioner for acquiring the Jamasp Salt Pan land, and physical possession of the plot was taken in April earlier this year.
The state's recent notification also mentioned that SRA would act as the special planning authority not only for Dharavi itself but also for the adjoining railway land included in the rehabilitation plan. The decision is intended to streamline administrative control and ensure coordinated execution of the project across multiple land parcels.
Officials involved said it was logical to assign this role to SRA and DRP since both agencies are responsible for the overall rehabilitation and development of the Dharavi project. The move aims to simplify approval processes and speed up project-related clearances.
However, the plan has met with opposition from local residents in Mulund and Kurla. Several residents from Mulund have expressed concerns about the relocation of Dharavi residents to the Salt Pan land, citing strain on local infrastructure and the environmental sensitivity of the area. Likewise, residents near the Kurla Dairy plot have voiced objections to large-scale rehabilitation activity in their neighbourhood.
The Dharavi redevelopment project, one of India's most ambitious slum rehabilitation initiatives, has seen multiple policy changes and delays over the years. The inclusion of the salt pan lands for rental housing is seen as a crucial step to accommodate those who fall outside the eligibility list for free homes. Despite repeated government assurances about the land's suitability, concerns remain regarding flooding risks and ecological impact in low-lying salt pan areas.
With this latest notification, the SRA and DRP now have comprehensive planning authority over all identified lands linked to Dharavi's rehabilitation. This move is expected to bring consistency in planning decisions, though addressing local resistance and environmental concerns will be key to maintaining project momentum.
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
