Citizens' Group Urges Reconsideration of Dharavi Rehabilitation Plan

A citizens' group from Mumbai, the Watchdog Foundation, has raised concerns over a proposal to use salt pan land in Wadala for the temporary rehabilitation of Dharavi residents. In a letter addressed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the group highlighted the environmental risks and flood dangers associated with the plan, which was suggested by Shiv Sena MP Rahul Shewale.

Why this matters: The decision to use salt pan land for rehabilitation purposes has significant implications for Mumbai's environmental sustainability and the safety of its residents, particularly in the face of rising sea levels and increased flood risks. Failure to consider alternative solutions could have devastating consequences for the city's ecosystem and the well-being of its citizens.

The Watchdog Foundation argues that in-situ rehabilitation during the construction phase in Dharavi should be considered as an alternative to using the ecologically sensitive salt pan land. Advocate Godfrey Pimenta, who has been raising awareness about the importance of preserving salt pan land since 2015, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "By 2070, Mumbai is projected to have over 11 million residents in areas susceptible to flooding, significantly increasing the population at risk. The accelerated pace of sea-level rise observed in recent years further underscores the urgency of addressing this issue."

The citizens' group is urging policymakers to reconsider the proposal and prioritize measures that mitigate flood risks and ensure the safety and security of Mumbai's residents. In their letter to Chief Minister Shinde, the group also stressed the importance of exploring alternative solutions for rehabilitation that take into account the long-term impacts of rising sea levels on the city's population.

The letter, dated May 13, 2024, was addressed to several key officials, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Brihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, and Chief Secretary Dr. Nitin Kareer. The Watchdog Foundation's appeal comes at a time when Mumbai is grappling with the challenges posed by rapid urbanization, population growth, and the looming threat of climate change-induced sea-level rise.

As Mumbai continues to grow and develop, the debate surrounding the use of salt pan land for rehabilitation purposes is likely to intensify. The Watchdog Foundation's letter serves as a reminder of the critical need to balance the city's development goals with the imperative to protect its vulnerable ecosystems and safeguard the well-being of its citizens in the face of a changing climate.

Key Takeaways

• Citizens' group opposes using salt pan land in Wadala for Dharavi residents' rehabilitation.
• Plan poses environmental risks and flood dangers due to rising sea levels.
• In-situ rehabilitation during construction phase suggested as alternative.
• Mumbai projected to have 11 million residents in flood-prone areas by 2070.
• Watchdog Foundation urges policymakers to prioritize flood risk mitigation and safety.