Govt takes back 33 acres allotted for slum rehab in Aarey Colony

Govt takes back 33 acres allotted for slum rehab in Aarey Colony

Land Reclaimed for Ecological Preservation

Govt takes back 33 acres allotted – Maharashtra’s dairy development department has decided to revoke a 33-acre land lease in Aarey Colony, which was granted to Bamco Tech Private Limited under a joint venture agreement. The property was initially allocated to support the relocation of slum residents in Aarey Milk Colony, a site known for its green spaces and ecological value. The area is also one of the few remaining natural zones in Mumbai, serving as part of the broader Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

Resolution Cancels Lease Agreement

The government’s resolution to terminate the allotment highlights the land’s designation as a green zone. It explains that the area cannot be used for construction and must be preserved to maintain its environmental role. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has endorsed this decision, emphasizing the need to protect the region’s ecological integrity.

Legal Challenge Over Development Restrictions

A petition filed in the Bombay High Court contested the lease, arguing that the land lies within a No Development Zone (NDZ). The court ruled on July 11, 2025, that construction in the area is not permissible, reinforcing its status as a green zone. This decision aligns with the BMC’s Development Plan 2014-2034, which classifies the site as a protected ecological area.

Environmental Designation and Conservation Efforts

Aarey Milk Colony was officially marked as an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) by the environment ministry in a 2016 notification. The designation underscores its role as a critical habitat and green space for Mumbai. Activists and environmental groups have long advocated for the area’s preservation, highlighting its connection to the larger national park.

“Aarey is a vital ecological area for Mumbai, part of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park’s protected zones. The dairy development department should relocate slum dwellers outside this region to ensure the land remains dedicated to afforestation and conservation,” stated Sanjiv Valsan of the Save Aarey movement.