July 11, 2025: The Bombay High Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by lawyer and social activist Sagar Devre, which challenged the transfer of salt pan lands in Mumbai’s suburbs for rehabilitating people affected by the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP). The PIL opposed the State’s move to allocate 256 acres in Mulund, Kanjurmarg, and Bhandup to Adani for developing rental housing for ineligible residents of Dharavi.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne on Thursday (July 10, 2025) upheld the government’s decision, stating that the petitioner failed to submit adequate evidence or research to prove that salt pan lands cannot be used for rehabilitation. The court also noted that since 2024, a policy change by the Centre has excluded salt pan lands from the category of wetlands, thereby permitting their transfer for specified purposes.
The land transfer is based on a proposal submitted by the State to the Centre, which owns the salt pans. The land is to be leased for 99 years for the DRP.
Mr. Devre contended that construction on salt pan land violates environmental norms, especially as the sites fall under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ). However, representing the Centre, Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh argued that the PIL was filed casually and lacked substance.
While dismissing the PIL, the High Court advised the government to remain mindful of environmental concerns during the project’s execution.
Expressing his intent to pursue the matter further, Sagar Devre said, “Will take the matter to the Supreme Court and file a detailed petition.”
The court’s decision clears a major hurdle for the State’s ambitious plan to rehabilitate Dharavi residents and move the redevelopment project forward.
Source: The Hindu
