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Bombay High Court directs authorities to clarify stand on Mahim Nature Park

The Bombay High Court has directed the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) and state government to file affidavits in response to PIL filled seeking clarification on the inclusion of Mahim Nature Park, a protected area, in the plans of the Dharavi redevelopment project. In October this year, the state government released a tender inviting entities to bid for the redevelopment of the 600acre slum located in the heart of the city. Mumbai based Adani Group bagged the project after offering the highest bid of Rs 5,069 crores. Activists who have filled the PIL fear the Park will be unlawfully redevelopment along with the rest on the area.

Mahim Nature Park was declared as a protected forest area in the year 1991. The park spans across 27 acres of land and is present within the existing Dharavi slum area. In the plans released by the state government for redevelopment the park has been shown as being part of the “excluded area” and not existing within the Dharavi Notified Area where the redevelopment will take place. the tender however allows the project proponent to acquire excluded areas, if necessary, thereby invoking fear amongst activist of dire consequences.

A Senior Counsel representing the state and SRA authorities has stated in court that the proposed redevelopment plan does not include the park. The NGO Vanshakti and environmental activist Zory Bathena filled a PIL with the Bombay High Court seeking clarification on the inclusion of the Mahim Nature Park in the proposed redevelopment project, addressing which the latest order has been passed. The High Court has directed both the state authorities and the Slum Rehabilitation Authority to file a response by 2 January 2023.

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