Controversy over Mumbai’s Salt Pans: Ecological Impact and Development Concerns

Controversy over Mumbai’s Salt Pans: Ecological Impact and Development Concerns

Sub: Env

Sec: Protected Areas

Why in News

Recently, the Central Government approved the transfer of 256 acres of salt pan land in Mumbai to the Dharavi Redevelopment Project Pvt Ltd (DRPPL), a joint venture between the Adani Realty Group and the Maharashtra Government. The land will be used to build rental housing for slum dwellers. This decision has sparked controversy, drawing criticism from environmentalists and opposition leaders who argue that the move will harm the fragile ecosystem of Mumbai.

What are Salt Pan Lands?

Salt pans are low-lying lands where seawater flows during certain times and evaporates, leaving behind salt and minerals.

Ecosystem Role: Salt pans, alongside mangroves, play a crucial role in protecting Mumbai from flooding.

National Distribution: Across India, 60,000 acres of land are classified as salt pans, spread across Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Gujarat, and Karnataka. Andhra Pradesh holds the largest share with 20,716 acres, followed by Tamil Nadu (17,095 acres) and Maharashtra (12,662 acres).

Regulation: As per the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification of 2011, these ecologically sensitive areas fall under the CRZ-1B category, where economic activities are restricted, except for salt extraction and natural gas exploration.

Distribution of Salt Pan Lands in Mumbai: Mumbai has 5,378 acres designated as salt pan lands, which is nine times the size of the Dharavi slum.

Why Are Mumbai’s Salt Pans at Risk?

High Land Demand: Mumbai’s limited land drives development into salt pans.

Housing Projects: Salt pans are being used for affordable housing under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project.

Regulatory Evasion: Attempts are being made to bypass Coastal Regulation Zone restrictions.

Flood Risk: Salt pans help prevent flooding; their destruction increases flood risks. Areas like Vikhroli, Kanjurmarg, and Bhandup are at risk of submersion during heavy rains if these lands are developed.

Ecosystem Threat: Salt pans support biodiversity and flood control, making their loss impactful.

Policy Contradiction: Development projects conflict with climate action plans aimed at flood prevention.

Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification of 2011: Managed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

CRZ Categories: Defines areas into CRZ-1 (ecologically sensitive), CRZ-2 (developed), CRZ-3 (rural), and CRZ-4 (islands).

Permitted Activities: CRZ-1 allows only salt extraction and natural gas exploration; other zones permit regulated development.

Prohibited Activities: No construction in CRZ-1 except for essential facilities; CRZ-2 and CRZ-3 have specific restrictions to balance development and conservation.

Coastal Management: Aims to protect coastal ecosystems, including mangroves and salt pans, from detrimental development.