States makes plans for offices on Wadala salt plan
The 71 acre Wadala salt pan plot is on the process of being removed by the state government. This will be done in order to build government offices as well as staff quarters. The move has caused a sense of alarm among activists as well as environmentalists since salt plans which are eco sensitive act as a natural sponge during all heavy rains and floods.
A notice was issued by the government last week which consists of objections as well as suggestions from the public on matters of development. The state government and builders have been working for more than 10 years in order to open up 5,000 acres of Mumbai’s salt plan for the purpose of development.
Environmentalists have already said that one wrong step can lead to a major ecological disaster. The government on the other hand seems very much eager to delete the land from no development zone and use it for reservation of the government offices as well as the allied uses in residential zones.
Mumbai’s salt plans have currently been spread over Ghatkopar, Chembur, Trombay, Mandale, Turbhe, Anik, Wadala, Kanjurmarg, Bhandup, Nahur and Mulund which are located in the eastern suburbs. On the western belt one will find Malvani, Dahisar, Mira-Bhayander and Virar.
Source – The Times of India, Mumbai
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