Mumbai, April 10 -- The Maharashtra Government has approved the allocation of approximately 256 acres of salt pan land for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project.

These land parcels are in Mulund, Kanjurmarg and Bhandup. While the proposed development of these saltpan lands to rehouse ineligible Dharavikars has raised environmental concerns, a senior Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) official has clarified that the saltpan lands are on the western side of the eastern expressway, away from the sea for nearly a decade, and are completely safe for development.

"Years ago, these parcels were officially decommissioned by the Salt Commissioner of India. No salt manufacturing has been happening there for nearly a decade now. The sea water never e...