Mumbai News: Bombay High Court Dismisses PIL Challenging Salt Pan Land Transfer for Dharavi Resettlement

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court rejected a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) questioning the state's move to hand over salt pan lands in Mulund, Kanjurmarg, and Bhandup to Adani for a rental housing initiative intended for those impacted by the Dharavi redevelopment project (PAP). The PIL, submitted by attorney and social activist Sagar Devre, challenged the legality of the transfer citing an Office Memorandum (OM) from the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The court supported the government's action, asserting that no significant evidence was provided to demonstrate that the salt pan lands were unsuitable for rehabilitation purposes. The bench, comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne, observed that the lands had been removed from wetland classification due to a 2024 policy update by the Centre, permitting their transfer under specific conditions.

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The court deemed Devre's arguments inadequate, especially concerning the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) issues. It emphasized that the PIL was missing detailed research and evidence for its assertions, considering the submission to have been done without seriousness. The court encouraged the government to incorporate environmental factors when executing the project. In reaction to the decision, Devre indicated plans to take the issue to the Supreme Court with a more comprehensive petition.

Earlier the Bombay High Court has instructed the Union and Maharashtra governments to respond to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that contests the state's plan to rehabilitate Dharavi residents on salt pan lands in Mulund. The PIL, filed by advocate Sagar Devre, emphasises that the initiative threatens the delicate coastal ecosystem, already compromised by reclamation projects in Mumbai.

A bench featuring Chief Justice Alok Aradhe granted four weeks for the government to respond to a PIL challenging two resolutions allowing the transfer of 255.9 acres of salt pan land for rehabilitation. The petition asserts that these lands, crucial for coastal balance, were improperly excluded from wetland definitions in 2017.

It raises concerns about environmental harm from privatization and highlights past high court directives on wetland protection. The Dharavi Redevelopment project intends to utilize this land for housing, amidst allegations of a builder-politician nexus.