The Centre has approved the transfer of 256 acres of Mumbai’s salt pan land to Dharavi Redevelopment Project Pvt Ltd for slum dwellers’ rental housing.
About Salt Pan Lands:
- Salt pan lands are naturally occurring low-lying areas where seawater flows in and evaporates, leaving behind salt and minerals.
- Over thousands of years, large bodies of water drying up have created these salt-rich lands.
- Ecological Importance:
- Flood Protection: Salt pans help absorb excess water during heavy rains and high tides, preventing severe flooding in cities like Mumbai.
- Biodiversity: These lands support a wide range of bird species and marine life, contributing significantly to the local ecosystem.
- Locations in India: These lands are spread across states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Karnataka.
- Mumbai’s Salt Pans: In Mumbai, salt pans are located in areas like Ghatkopar, Wadala, Chembur, Bhandup, Trombay, Virar, and Bhayandar.
Regulatory Protections:
- Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) 2011: Salt pan lands are classified under CRZ-1B, which restricts most economic activities to protect the sensitive coastal ecosystem. Only activities like salt extraction and natural gas exploration are allowed.
- Wetland Rules 2017: Salt pans are excluded from the definition of wetlands, but they remain protected under other environmental regulations like CRZ rules.
Challenges:
- Development vs. Conservation: While salt pans play a crucial ecological role, Mumbai faces a severe housing crisis.
- The government has proposed using these lands for affordable housing and slum redevelopment, causing conflicts between development needs and ecological conservation.
- Regulatory Relaxation: Efforts have been made to relax regulations protecting salt pans, enabling development in these areas despite ecological concerns.
Ref: Source
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Frequently Asked Question:
What are salt pan lands?
Salt pan lands are low-lying areas where seawater evaporates, leaving behind salt and other minerals.
Which Indian states have salt pan lands?
Salt pan lands are found in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Karnataka.
What is the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)?
CRZ is a set of regulations in India aimed at protecting sensitive coastal ecosystems by restricting development.