Salt Pan Land Cleared for Dharavi Redevelopment Project

Explore the unique ecosystem of salt pan lands, their role in salt production, biodiversity, and the environmental challenges they face due to climate change and human activities.

Context: The Maharashtra Government has approved the allocation of 256 acres of salt pan land to rehabilitate slum dwellers under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP).

What is Salt Pan Land?

Salt Pan Lands are low-lying areas where seawater flows in and evaporates, leaving behind salt and minerals.
Under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification of 2011, salt pans fall under CRZ-1B, which restricts economic activities except for salt extraction and natural gas exploration.

Ecological Importance of Salt Pan Land

Flood Protection: Salt pans, together with mangroves serve as natural flood barriers absorbing excess water during heavy rainfall and high tides. This reduces the risk of severe waterlogging in Mumbai.
Biodiversity: These areas support a diverse range of bird species and marine life, playing an important role in maintaining the local ecosystem.

What are Coastal Regulation Zones?

The coastal stretches of seas, bays, estuaries, creeks, rivers and backwaters which are influenced by tidal action are declared as Coastal Regulation Zone.

CRZ are divided in 4 Categories

CRZ (I-A):
- Ecologically Sensitive Areas like Mangroves, Salt Marshes, coral reefs and wildlife nesting sites. No new construction is permitted here.
CRZ (I-B):
- The intertidal zone, i.e. the area between the High Tide Line and Low Tide Line.
CRZ-II:
- Built-up urban areas where construction is only allowed on the landward side.
CRZ-III:
- Land areas that are relatively undisturbed (viz. rural areas, etc.) and those which do not fall under CRZ-II.
- No new construction is not permitted, except for repairs to existing buildings.
CRZ-IV:
- The water area is up to 12 nautical miles from the territorial waters and tidal-influenced water bodies.
- Local communities can traditionally fish in this area, but untreated sewage and solid waste are not allowed.