Salt Pan Lands

Source: This post on Salt Pan Lands has been created based on the article “Controversy over Mumbai’s salt pans: why do these lands matter?”, published in Indian Express on 12^th Sep 2024.

Why in news?

The Centre approved transferring 256 acres of Mumbai’s salt pan land to Dharavi Redevelopment Project Pvt Ltd (DRPPL) for slum dwellers’ rental housing. The move drew criticism accusing the state of prioritizing private interests.

What Are Salt Pan Lands?

1. Salt pans are naturally forming expanses of ground which are covered with salt and other minerals. Such land is formed where the large water bodies have dried up over thousands of years, leaving behind salt and other minerals as remnants.

2. In Mumbai, the salt pans are spread across Ghatkopar, Wadala, Chembur, Bhandup, Trombay, Virar and Bhayandar.

3. According to the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) 2011 notification, salt pans are categorized under CRZ-1B, where economic activities are prohibited except for salt extraction and natural gas exploration.

Ecological Importance of Salt Pans

1. Flood Protection: Salt pans, together with mangroves, serve as natural flood barriers, absorbing excess water during heavy rainfall and high tides, reducing the risk of severe waterlogging in Mumbai.

2. Biodiversity: These areas support a diverse range of bird species and marine life, playing a vital role in maintaining the local ecosystem.

Challenges

1. Developmental challenges: Mumbai is grappling with a severe housing crisis. Salt pans are some of the last undeveloped lands, and the government has proposed using them for low-cost housing and slum redevelopment projects.

2. Regulatory Challenges: Salt pans fall under the CRZ-1B category, which restricts economic activities to protect ecologically sensitive areas. Despite these protections, there have been continuous efforts to relax these norms to facilitate development.

Read more: Going back to the salt pans of Mumbai

UPSC Syllabus: Environment