The Maharashtra government has reclassified two salt pan land parcels in Wadala, allowing them to be developed for construction purposes. Previously designated as natural areas (NA) under the city’s Development Plan (DP-2034), the parcels have now been included in the residential zone (R Zone). This change clears the way for a gymkhana for the IAS Officers Association and dedicated warehouses for EVM and VVPAT machines.
The total area of land being dereserved amounts to 20,318.82 square meters, with 6,475 sq. m allocated for the warehouse and 13,843.82 sq. m for the civil servants’ gymkhana. Officials noted that the land is not covered by hills or mangroves and has been temporarily used by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited, making it suitable for development.
Under the previous zoning, the plots were reserved for rehabilitation of project-affected people, depots for BEST services, or preservation as natural areas. The urban development department, acting under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966, issued a notice formalizing the change and inviting public suggestions or objections.
The notification specifies that the 13,843.82 sq. m plot will now be part of the R Zone for the civil services gymkhana, while the 6,475 sq. m plot will also be reclassified as R Zone for EVM and VVPAT warehouses. This reclassification allows for permanent construction and institutional use on land that had remained largely idle for decades.
Historically, EVMs in Mumbai were stored in foodgrain warehouses, Mumbai Port Authority facilities, Railways offices, schools, and other temporary locations. The Chief Electoral Officer’s office in Maharashtra has been constructing dedicated warehouses across the state to enhance security and accessibility. Twenty-one districts have already received such warehouses, and the Wadala plots will serve the same purpose for Mumbai.
Officials highlighted that the reclassification considers existing land use and environmental safeguards. The parcels do not contain mangroves or hills, and portions of the land have already been used temporarily by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation. The changes are expected to streamline public infrastructure while providing dedicated facilities for civil services and electoral equipment storage.
The government has invited objections and suggestions from citizens before the final transfer and development of the land. Once completed, the gymkhana and warehouse are expected to provide both public utility and institutional support while making optimal use of previously idle land.
This reclassification reflects Mumbai’s approach to urban planning, balancing development needs with civic and administrative requirements, and represents a step toward more efficient utilization of city land amid rising urbanization pressures.
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