The Maharashtra government's plan to redevelop 290 slum clusters along the coastline, potentially freeing up around 188 hectares of prime land, awaits approval from the central government under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)-2 regulations. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is considering the proposal pending a comprehensive environmental analysis. The redevelopment initiative, if approved, could transform Mumbai's urban landscape, offering opportunities for luxury housing projects. Although landward side slums can be redeveloped, challenges related to seaward-side slums remain till the MoEFCC approval.
In Mumbai, the government's ambitious plan to redevelop 290 slum clusters along the coastline, encompassing approximately 188.66 hectares of land, may soon come to fruition. The state government has sought approval from the central government to proceed with the redevelopment, which falls under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)-2 regulations. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has shown a willingness to consider the proposal but only after a detailed environmental cost-benefit analysis.
The MoEFCC has requested a comprehensive study to determine the number of slums affected by CRZ regulations over the years and their impact on the city. Additionally, the study will assess the proposed redevelopment's effects on the city’s existing infrastructure and environment.
This move has significant implications, potentially freeing up 467 acres of prime land for development, particularly along the upscale seaside market. Urban planner Pankaj Kapoor noted the potential for luxury and ultra-luxury housing projects in these areas.
However, the government's plan has sparked concerns. If the State has to rehabilitate the slum dwellers, there is no other option than this same area and this makes the redevelopment very tricky to execute. Some critics worry that slumlords encroaching on CRZ areas might exploit the redevelopment initiative to build residential structures under the guise of slum rehabilitation.
Recent legal developments have clarified the scope of CRZ regulations. Following a Bombay High Court judgement in October 2022, which clarified that slum rehabilitation projects were not excluded from CRZ II areas in the 2019 CRZ notification, redevelopment efforts gained momentum. Landward-side slum schemes, such as the Mariamma Nagar slum pocket and Jijamata Nagar, are now being redeveloped by private developers after the relaxation of CRZ regulations.
However, challenges persist, especially concerning seaward side slums that lack road access between the settlements and the sea. Notable locations, such as the cluster behind Ceejay House in Worli and the fishing village near the Worli fort, exemplify this issue. The MoEFCC wants to understand the implications of the redevelopment in detail before giving the green flag to the project.
In conclusion, Mumbai stands at the cusp of a transformative urban development initiative, aimed at revitalising slum clusters along its coastline. While the project offers promising prospects for the city's infrastructure and housing sector, it also poses challenges that demand careful consideration. As the government navigates these complexities, the outcome of this endeavour will significantly shape Mumbai's future urban landscape.
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