The Maharashtra cabinet approved the use of 255 acres of salt pan land in Mumbai to construct homes for individuals affected by slum rehabilitation projects. The Adani Group has been assigned the responsibility for implementing the Dharavi Slum Redevelopment Project.
Land Transfer and Beneficiaries
The state government has requested the Centre to lease the salt pan land in Mumbai. This initiative will also benefit those in need of affordable housing and related schemes. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde chaired the cabinet meeting, during which the government affirmed the Adani Group’s role in the redevelopment efforts.
Details of Land Acquisition
The 255.9 acres of land to be acquired include 120.5 acres in Mauje Kanjur, 76.9 acres in Kanjur and Bhandup, and 58.5 acres in Mauje Mulund. The additional chief secretary of the state housing department is tasked with signing the agreement for the land lease transfer with the Union government. The costs of rehabilitating individuals on salt pan land will be covered by a special purpose vehicle.
Recent Approvals by the Centre
Earlier this month, the Centre approved the transfer of the 255.9 acres of salt pan land to the Dharavi Redevelopment Project Pvt Ltd, a collaboration between Adani Realty Group and the Maharashtra government, aimed at providing rental housing for slum dwellers.
Ports Development Initiative
In addition, the Cabinet approved a proposal from the state ports development department to appoint JSW Infrastructure as the developer for the Murbe multipurpose port in neighbouring Palghar district. The project, estimated to cost ₹4,259 crore, aims to create an all-weather operational facility focusing on bulk dry cargo and captive cargo.
Urban Development Funding
Furthermore, the Urban Development Department’s proposal for an interest-free loan of ₹1,354 crore to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) for the construction of a tunnel road connecting Orange Gate in Mazgaon to Marine Drive was also approved. The state government will cover the land acquisition costs, estimated at ₹433 crore.
Enhancements to Thane Metro Project
The Cabinet also revised the budget for the Thane Ring Metro project to ₹12,200 crore. This proposed 29-km metro loop will feature 20 surface stations and two underground stations. Additionally, a significant tunnel project between Thane and Borivali (Mumbai) was greenlit, involving a six-lane twin tunnel spanning 11.85 km with an estimated cost of ₹18,838 crore.
Support for Cow Shelters
The Animal Husbandry Department’s proposal to provide a daily subsidy of ₹50 per animal to cow shelter operators was approved. The Maharashtra Cow Shelter Commissionerate will monitor the functioning of these shelters, which have faced a decline of 20.69 percent in indigenous cow populations, according to the 2019 Census.
National Centers of Excellence for Sports
Lastly, the Cabinet decided to allocate three land parcels totaling 37 acres to the Sports Authority of India for establishing national centres of excellence. These facilities will be located in Malad (Mumbai), Akurli (Navi Mumbai), and Wadhawan (Palghar) on leased land, with an annual rent of ₹1 for the next 30 years.
