MMRDA has transferred four hectares of ecologically sensitive salt-pan land in Wadala to the Mumbai City Collector following a Bombay High Court directive, marking a significant win for environmental protection and legal compliance in Mumbai's coastal zone.

Maharashtra has reclassified over 20,000 square meters of salt pan land in Wadala from Natural Area to Residential Zone, paving the way for an IAS officers' gymkhana and EVM warehouse facilities in a significant land-use policy shift.

The state cabinet accepted the transfer of 140 acres of Malwani and Aksa property from the suburban collector for the ambitious Dharavi Redevelopment Project. Land will be utilised for rental homes for slum inhabitants ineligible for free housing under the project.

The state government is granting developers Floor Space Index to overcome legal issues regarding salt pan land availability in Dharavi's redevelopment. In return for building rental accommodation for ineligible Dharavi inhabitants, the saleable components of the project will get an FSI of 1.33.

Residents of Mumbai were becoming worried about the unlawful reclamation of the Wadala salt pans, which threatened a saltwater lake and adjoining mangroves. Land-grabbing was reportedly harming the ecosystem at Eastern Freeway entrance and exit sites.

The government reduced Mumbai's saltpan and mangrove slum redevelopment building area from 80% to 65%. BMC manages the remaining 35% for open space amenities. This comes seven months after the original construction ban in eco-sensitive zones.