Overview

• The Bombay High Court on July 10 dismissed a PIL challenging the Maharashtra government’s acquisition of 255.9 acres of central government salt pan land for rehabilitating those affected by the Dharavi Redevelopment Project.
• A bench led by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep V Marne criticized the petition as lacking proper research and evidence to show the lands could not be used for rehabilitation.
• The court cited the 2024 amendment to central wetlands rules, government resolutions of August and September 2024, and a Union Office Memorandum as the legal basis for the 99-year lease of salt pan lands.
• Adani Realty will develop rental housing across parcels in Mulund, Kanjurmarg and Bhandup to accommodate slum dwellers deemed ineligible for on-site rehabilitation in Dharavi.
• The judges underscored that all necessary environmental clearances and safeguards must be obtained before project implementation.