The Maharashtra government has proposed limiting construction to 65% on plots in Special Development Zones (SDZs), down from the previously allowed 80%, particularly in areas once designated as mangroves and saltpan lands. This move, aimed at allocating more space for open amenities, follows the abandonment of affordable housing plans in these sensitive regions. While the proposal seeks to improve city planning, environmental activists warn of the risks to Mumbai's ecosystem and increased flood vulnerability. Public feedback is invited on the new regulations, highlighting the ongoing debate between urban development and environmental sustainability in Mumbai.
The Maharashtra government has recently proposed changes to the construction regulations in Special Development Zones (SDZs), specifically in areas previously designated as mangroves and saltpan lands. Seven months after abandoning plans for affordable housing in these sensitive regions, the new proposal aims to limit construction on such plots to 65%, down from the previously allowed 80%. This move is intended to allocate more space for open amenities, according to the state's Urban Development Department.
While the proposal may seem beneficial for city planning, concerns persist among environmental activists. Critics emphasise the ecological risks associated with any form of construction on mangrove and saltpan land. An environmental advocate highlighted that building on these areas poses a significant threat to the environment and increases vulnerability to flooding. The activists argue that these lands are crucial to Mumbai's ecosystem, serving as natural buffers against climate-related disasters. They assert that allowing construction in these sensitive regions could exacerbate existing environmental challenges, especially in light of recent climate events.
The government's recent announcement, issued in the form of a corrigendum, invites public feedback on the proposed modifications to the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) for 2034. This includes regulations dealing with land use, particularly in areas with high density slum populations. The proposed changes apply to plots accommodating 350 to 499 housing units per hectare. Activists believe that while the intention of creating open spaces is positive, it cannot come at the cost of eco-sensitive areas. An architect involved in city planning emphasised the need to rethink the current approach, stressing that open spaces should not be developed at the expense of environmental safeguards.
In addition to the situation in Mumbai, the government has also issued a broader notification for the rest of Maharashtra. This proposal seeks to allow affordable housing on former industrial plots, indicating a shift toward residential use amidst the closure of many industries. The plan proposes that one-fourth of the tenements in these developments be designated as service quarters for residents, designed for domestic workers and other staff. Officials suggest that this change could help accommodate factory workers and tenants displaced from industrial sites, thereby addressing some of the housing shortages in the region.
However, the implementation of these housing developments raises a fundamental question: how can the government balance urban development with environmental protection? Many urban planners urge a cautious approach, advocating for the use of existing slum areas for redevelopment rather than encroaching on valuable natural land. An urban policy expert suggested that there is ample land available within existing slums for housing. Rather than seeking new areas, the focus should be on upgrading the living conditions within these communities.
As citizens anxiously await the government's final decision, public forums and discussions may become crucial in shaping the future of housing development and environmental protection in Mumbai. The outcome will depend not only on governmental intentions but also on public engagement and advocacy for sustainable practices. In a city already grappling with issues of infrastructure and climate change, the careful management of its ecological and urban resources remains a priority.
The proposed changes highlight the ongoing struggle between development needs and environmental sustainability, forcing stakeholders to rethink their strategies for Mumbai's future.
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
