The state of Maharashtra in India has come up with a new plan to use buildable salt pan lands for rehabilitation and redevelopment purposes. The plan aims to provide affordable housing to the poor and middle-class sections of society, who are currently struggling with a lack of housing options. The Maharashtra government has identified 101 salt pan lands across Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad districts, covering a total area of 5,189 hectares, which can be developed for housing purposes.

The Maharashtra government has formed a committee to oversee the redevelopment of salt pan lands. The committee will be chaired by the state's chief secretary and will comprise members from various departments, including the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

The committee has been tasked with preparing a roadmap for the development of salt pan lands. The roadmap will include the identification of land parcels, the formulation of a plan for rehabilitation and redevelopment, and the implementation of the plan. The committee will also be responsible for ensuring that the development of salt pan lands is done in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.

The Maharashtra government has also sought the support of the central government in the redevelopment of salt pan lands. The government has requested the central government to provide financial assistance for the project and to help in obtaining clearances from various departments.

The redevelopment of salt pan lands is expected to provide a boost to the real estate sector in the state. The sector has been facing a slowdown due to the pandemic and the resulting economic slowdown. The development of salt pan lands is expected to provide employment opportunities and boost economic growth in the state.

Experts are lauding the government decision to use buildable salt pan lands for rehabilitation and redevelopment purposes. Many believe this might be an answer to the city’s dire need for affordable housing for the poor and middle-class sections of society. The government’s decision to ensure all efforts made to develop are done so in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner is being praised and touted as forward-looking.

In 1991, The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) designated all salt pans in the state under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) I areas, which are the most ecologically sensitive areas along the coast. The CRZ I areas have stringent restrictions on development activities to protect the environment and coastal ecosystem. No Development Zones (DNZs) or restricted development zones are created to ensure construction activities are prohibited or heavily curbed in areas that might affect natural resources, disrupt ecological balance, or hamper heritage sites.

In an interview captured by ET Realty, the Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis spoke about the future plans of the state with regard to redevelopment and rehabilitation of slum dwellers. He shared that a conversation is underway with the Minister of Civil Aviation to allow in-situ development of slums near airports. He further added that efforts were being made to remove the construction blocked imposed by the Supreme Court on railway-owned land. His government is also working with the defence ministry to find a solution for slum-occupied defence lands in Mumbai and possible rehabilitation of its inhabitants in the outskirts of the city.

To conclude, the Maharashtra government's intention to utilise developable salt pan lands for rehabilitation and redevelopment purposes is an important step towards providing affordable housing to the lower and middle classes of society. It is anticipated that the rehabilitation of salt pan lands will strengthen the state's real estate market and open job opportunities for the populace. Several people have praised the government's efforts to make sure that the development of salt pan lands is done in a sustainable and environmentally beneficial manner. The successful execution of the plan and the cooperation of numerous stakeholders will determine the outcome of this endeavour.