11th April 2025 (12 Topics)

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Salt Pan Lands

Context

The Maharashtra government has sanctioned the development of approximately 256 acres of decommissioned salt pan land in Mulund, Kanjurmarg, and Bhandup for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) to relocate inhabitants who are not eligible for rehabilitation within Dharavi.

What Are Salt Pan Lands?

Salt pans are flat, low-lying lands where seawater is evaporated to extract salt.
In Mumbai, many such lands were under the control of the Salt Commissioner (a Central Government authority).
With Mumbai’s salt-making activity declining, large tracts have been decommissioned for non-agricultural use.
Salt pans are ecologically sensitive due to their hydrological role—they absorb excess rainwater, help prevent flooding, and may support biodiversity.
Some critics worry about disrupting local micro-ecosystems and flood patterns.
Government's Stand: The land parcels selected in Mulund, Kanjurmarg, and Bhandup:

Are outside the CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone),
Are not wetlands or bird habitats,
Were decommissioned nearly a decade ago.
Don’t fall under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) limits.

What is a Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)?

The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) refers to specific areas along the coastline that are regulated to protect coastal ecosystems from harmful activities.
The CRZ rules were first established under the Environment Protection Act of 1986 and officially notified in February 1991 by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
These regulations are aimed at conserving the environment, preventing over-exploitation of natural resources, and protecting the livelihoods of coastal communities.
The rules have been updated several times, with the 2011 CRZ Notification and the 2018 CRZ Notification being the most recent changes.
Four Types of Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ):
- CRZ-I (Ecologically Sensitive Areas): This zone includes mangrove swamps, coral reefs, sand dunes, maritime parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and reserve forests. These areas are highly sensitive and have the highest level of protection. No construction is allowed except for defense, strategic, or public utility projects.
- CRZ-II (Urban Areas): These are built-up areas within municipal boundaries that are already developed. This zone permits construction but only authorized projects. Unauthorized construction is strictly prohibited in this zone.
- CRZ-III (Rural Areas): These are undeveloped rural areas, including agricultural and natural spaces. Limited development is allowed, primarily for agriculture and essential public utilities (e.g., schools, hospitals).
- CRZ-IV (Water Bodies): This zone includes the tidally-influenced areas of water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and seas extending up to the territorial waters. It is important for fishing and marine life and is subject to regulations regarding pollution and development activities.

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Salt Pan Lands

What Are Salt Pan Lands?

What is a Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)?

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