Shiv Sena opposes developement plan to open up salt pans for low-cost homes in Mumbai

In what could be another flashpoint between warring allies – the Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party – the Uddhav Thackeray-led party has objected to the BJP-led state government’s decision to open up salt pan land in Mumbai.

The recently released development plan (DP) 2034 allows the state to open up more than 130 hectares of salt pan land for affordable housing. Salt pan land acts as a natural buffer during heavy rain and high tides.

Senior Sena leader and state environment minister Ramdas Kadam, along with other Sena minister, raised the issue
at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

The Sena said it was wary as opening up large tracts of land would benefit builders, and may not be entirely used for affordable housing.

A senior minister privy to the discussion said, “Kadam told chief minister Devendra Fadnavis that the Urban Land Ceiling Act, too, was introduced under the pretext of affordable housing, but only builders have benefitted from it.”

“He said the Sena will not allow an inch of salt pan land to be opened up as it could have an adverse impact on the ecology and environment,” said the minister.

Kadam later told reporters, “What is the intention behind opening up this land? Uddhavji has strongly opposed the move, and there is no need to open up land near the sea. Mumbaiites need to have open spaces, and need to breathe freely. We will oppose the decision.”