12-September-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

NATIONAL SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA ELIMINATION MISSION

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECH – SOURCE: THE HINDU

Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023, the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission aims to eradicate sickle cell disease as a public health problem in India by 2047.

The mission addresses the significant challenges posed by the genetic disorder, particularly among tribal populations, and aims to improve diagnosis, treatment, and awareness.

About Sickle Cell Disorder:

• Definition: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder characterized by the mutation of haemoglobin that causes red blood cells (RBCs) to deform into a sickle or crescent shape.
• Impact on RBCs: These abnormally shaped RBCs are rigid and less flexible, impairing their ability to flow smoothly through blood vessels, leading to various health complications.
• Complications: The disorder can cause chronic anemia, organ damage, severe pain episodes, and significantly reduced life expectancy.
• Vulnerable Populations: SCD predominantly affects marginalized tribal populations, as noted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Symptoms of Sickle Cell Disorder:

• Chronic Anaemia: Causes fatigue, weakness, and pale skin due to a shortage of healthy RBCs.
• Painful Crises: Sudden, intense pain in bones, chest, back, arms, and legs due to blocked blood flow.
• Delayed Growth: Slower growth and delayed puberty in children affected by SCD.

High Disease Burden:

• India has the world’s second-largest burden of sickle cell disease, affecting over a million people, mainly in the tribal belt of Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
• The disease shortens the lifespan to about 40 years and leads to severe health issues like anaemia, recurrent infections, pain, and organ damage.

Social Stigma and Misconceptions:

• Patients face stigma and discrimination, often labelled as “genetically inferior” or suffering from “God’s curse.”
• Misdiagnosis is common due to reliance on traditional healers and a lack of trust in public healthcare.

Low Treatment Adherence:

• Only 18% of patients receive consistent treatment. Major drop-offs occur during diagnosis and treatment adherence stages due to stigma, long travel distances for medication, and inconsistent supply of essential drugs.

Inadequate Healthcare Access:

• Key medicines like hydroxyurea are often out of stock, and patients need to travel over 200 kilometres for treatment in some regions.
• Poor vaccination coverage further increases vulnerability to infections, worsening the quality of life for patients.

Way Forward:

Reducing Stigma and Building Trust:

• Launch targeted media campaigns to dispel myths about the disease, drawing from successful strategies used for polio and HIV.
• Encourage transparency in disclosing carrier status to reduce the incidence of sickle cell births.

Enhanced Newborn Screening:

• Increase low-cost newborn screening in endemic areas to identify cases early, improving long-term health outcomes.

Improved Accessibility to Treatment:

• Ensure the availability of medicines and adherence support at the nearest health and wellness centers.
• Establish interdisciplinary centers of excellence at district and division levels for managing complications.

Vaccination Programs:

• Implement catch-up vaccination programs to ensure that all known patients receive approved vaccines to reduce infection rates.

Conclusion:

The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission offers a significant opportunity to address a longstanding public health challenge in India. By tackling stigma, enhancing healthcare access, and supporting ongoing research, India can move closer to eliminating the disease by 2047.

Multiple Choice Question

1. With reference to Sickle Cell Anaemia, consider the following statements:
2. Sickle Cell Anaemia is a genetic disorder that affects the shape and function of red blood cells.
3. Hydroxyurea is used as a treatment to reduce the frequency of painful episodes in patients with Sickle Cell Anaemia.
4. Sickle Cell Anaemia predominantly affects urban populations in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

Sickle Cell Anaemia is a genetic disorder where red blood cells take a sickle shape, impairing their ability to circulate effectively.

Hydroxyurea is a medication that helps reduce the frequency of pain crises and complications in patients.

Sickle Cell Anaemia predominantly affects marginalized tribal populations, particularly in rural areas of India, not urban populations.

PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE (PAC):

TOPIC: (GS3) POLITY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is a crucial parliamentary body responsible for scrutinizing government expenditure and ensuring accountability.

In the current political scenario, with a coalition government in power and a stronger Opposition, the PAC has an opportunity to reinforce its role in overseeing the executive’s actions.

Role and Functions of the PAC:

Genesis of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC):

• The PAC is one of the oldest Parliamentary Committees in India, established in 1921.
• Initially, the Finance Member acted as the Chairperson, and the Finance Department (later Ministry of Finance) managed its secretarial functions.
• Following the adoption of the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950, the PAC was transformed into a Parliamentary Committee under the Speaker’s jurisdiction.
• Subsequently, the secretarial responsibilities were transferred to the Parliament Secretariat, now known as the Lok Sabha Secretariat.

Membership:

• The PAC comprises up to 22 members, with 15 members elected from the Lok Sabha and up to 7 from the Rajya Sabha.
• Members are elected annually from their respective Houses through proportional representation by a single transferable vote.
• The tenure of PAC members is one year.
• The Speaker of the Lok Sabha appoints the Chairperson of the PAC from among the Lok Sabha members.
• Since 1967-68, the Speaker has consistently appointed a Member of the Opposition as the Chairperson of the Committee.
• Ministers are ineligible for election to the Committee, and if a PAC member is appointed as a Minister, they automatically cease to be a member from the date of appointment. 

Constitutional Mandate:

• The PAC is established to examine public expenditure and ensure it is in accordance with parliamentary sanctions.
• It is one of the oldest and most important parliamentary committees in India, receiving reports from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).

Oversight of Government Finances:

• Parliament controls the country’s finances, with any tax or expenditure requiring approval through legislation.
• The CAG audits government finances and submits reports to the PAC, highlighting irregularities and inefficiencies.

Recent Initiatives and Subjects of Focus:

• On September 2, 2024, the newly constituted PAC, chaired by Congress MP K.C. Venugopal, listed 161 subjects for discussion, primarily based on CAG reports.

Key subjects selected Suo motu include:

• Reforms in banking and insurance sectors.
• Review of centrally sponsored welfare schemes.
• Policy measures for the transition in the energy sector.
• Performance review of regulatory bodies established by Acts of Parliament.
• Levy and regulation of fees, tariffs, and user charges on public infrastructure.

Use of PAC Powers:

• The PAC has invoked its rarely used power to scrutinize not just the formality of expenditure but also its wisdom, faithfulness, and economy.
• This proactive approach reflects the committee’s commitment to addressing issues with significant public interest.

Challenges and Political Dynamics:

Allegations of Crony Capitalism:

• Concerns have been raised about government actions that may favor certain businesses, leading to allegations of biased economic decisions.
• Public sector banks and regulatory bodies are under scrutiny for their roles in these alleged preferential treatments.

Opposition from the Ruling Coalition:

• The PAC’s efforts to assert its oversight responsibilities may face challenges due to the majority held by members from the ruling coalition.
• Despite potential resistance, the PAC must remain committed to its mandate of upholding transparency and ensuring accountability in government actions.

Conclusion:

The Public Accounts Committee plays a vital role in maintaining transparency and accountability in government financial operations. By actively pursuing its mandate, especially in the current political environment, the PAC can strengthen parliamentary oversight and reinforce public trust in the government’s financial prudence. Its assertiveness is crucial for holding the executive accountable and addressing issues of public concern.

Multiple Choice Question

1. Consider the following statements about Parliamentary Committees in India:
2. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is responsible for examining the accounts of government expenditures and ensuring they conform to legislative authority.
3. The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) is formed to investigate specific issues and report to both Houses of Parliament.
4. The Standing Committees of Parliament are temporary committees established for a specific period and are dissolved after the completion of their mandate.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 only
4. 1 and 3 only

Answer: A

Explanation:

The PAC is responsible for examining the accounts of the government, ensuring that expenditures conform to legislative authority, and that funds have been used efficiently and for their intended purpose. It plays a crucial role in parliamentary oversight of government spending. This statement is correct.

JPCs are formed to investigate specific issues and report findings to both Houses of Parliament. They are established to conduct detailed examinations on particular matters of public interest, often involving complex issues or controversies. This statement is correct.

Standing Committees are not temporary; they are permanent and function throughout the life of the Parliament. They are established to oversee the work of various ministries and ensure effective functioning. They are dissolved only when a new Parliament is convened. Thus, this statement is incorrect.

THE AMAZON RAINFOREST: A CRITICAL BASTION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT– SOURCE: THE HINDU

The Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth,” plays a crucial role in regulating global climate. Recent studies highlight the urgent need to protect vast swathes of this vital ecosystem, which remains largely unprotected.

Key Findings

40% Unprotected: Nearly 40% of the Amazon rainforest’s most critical areas for climate regulation lack adequate protection.

Carbon Storage: These unprotected areas contain significant amounts of carbon, which would be released into the atmosphere if the rainforest is destroyed.

Tipping Point: Scientists warn that the Amazon rainforest is approaching a tipping point, where deforestation could lead to irreversible damage and the release of massive amounts of carbon.

Impact on Global Climate: The loss of the Amazon rainforest would have a catastrophic impact on global climate, exacerbating climate change and its associated consequences.

THE AMAZON RAINFOREST:

• Location: The Amazon Rainforest spans across parts of Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
• Extent: It is the world’s largest tropical rainforest, covering approximately 5.5 million square kilometres.
• Biodiversity: The Amazon is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, housing millions of plant and animal species.

Conservation Challenges

• Deforestation: The rainforest is under threat from deforestation driven by agriculture, logging, and mining.
• Climate Change: Rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns are affecting the rainforest’s ecosystems.
• Illegal Activities: Illegal logging, mining, and land grabbing pose significant challenges to conservation efforts.
• Indigenous Rights: Protecting the Amazon often involves safeguarding the rights of indigenous communities who depend on the forest for their livelihoods.

Necessity for Conservation

• Climate Regulation: The Amazon plays a crucial role in regulating global climate by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
• Biodiversity Hotspot: The rainforest is a global biodiversity hotspot, home to countless species of plants, animals, and microorganisms.
• Water Resources: The Amazon River basin is a vital source of water for millions of people and supports a diverse range of ecosystems.
• Medicinal Plants: The rainforest is a treasure trove of medicinal plants with potential applications in healthcare.

Conservation Efforts

• Protected Areas: Establishing and managing protected areas is essential for safeguarding the Amazon rainforest.
• Sustainable Land Use: Promoting sustainable agriculture and forestry practices can reduce the pressure on the rainforest.
• Indigenous Rights: Recognizing and protecting the rights of indigenous communities who depend on the rainforest is crucial.
• International Cooperation: Global cooperation is essential for addressing the transnational challenges facing the Amazon rainforest.

Conclusion

The Amazon rainforest is a vital global resource that requires urgent conservation efforts. By addressing the challenges posed by deforestation, climate change, and illegal activities, we can protect this critical ecosystem and ensure its continued contribution to the health of our planet.

Multiple Choice Question

1. Consider the following statements about the Amazon Rainforest:
2. The Amazon Rainforest spans across nine countries, with the majority located in Brazil.
3. The Amazon River is the longest river flowing through the Amazon Rainforest and contributes to over 20% of the world’s freshwater discharge into oceans.
4. The Amazon Rainforest is primarily composed of temperate forest ecosystems, characterized by cold and dry climates.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

The Amazon Rainforest does indeed span across nine countries, with the majority of the forest located in Brazil. The other countries include Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.

The Amazon River is one of the longest rivers in the world and contributes significantly to the global freshwater discharge into the oceans, with estimates suggesting it accounts for about 20% of the world’s freshwater flow.

The Amazon Rainforest is a tropical rainforest, not a temperate forest. It is characterized by a hot and humid climate with high annual rainfall. Temperate forests are found in regions with more moderate climates and distinct seasons, which does not apply to the Amazon Rainforest.

RICH STATES GETTING RICHER

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY– SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

India’s economic growth exhibits significant regional imbalances, with wealth, manufacturing, and services concentrated in southern and western states. This uneven distribution has deepened inequalities, raising concerns about the sustainability of these imbalances.

Income Disparities

• Current Gap: In 2023-24, the average income in Andhra Pradesh is four times higher than in Bihar.
• Future Projections: If current growth trends continue, Andhra Pradesh’s income could be four-and-a-half times that of Bihar by the decade’s end.
• Growth Rate Impact: Even if Bihar matches Andhra Pradesh’s current growth rate, it would take 15 years for Bihar’s average income to reach Andhra’s current levels.

Factors Reinforcing Disparity

• Concentration of Manufacturing and Services: Southern and western states benefit from established industries, skilled workforces, and superior infrastructure. Cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai attract significant investments due to their strong IT and industrial sectors.
• Geographical Investment Imbalance: Between 2018-2020, 92% of funds were concentrated in Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, and Mumbai, leaving northern and eastern states like Bihar significantly behind in investment and growth.

Reasons for Economic Divide

• Sectoral Growth Gap: Higher-income states have a per capita State Domestic Product (SDP) 3.6 times greater than lower-income states as of 2019-20, up from 2.4 times in 1990-91.
• Service Sector Growth: The service sector’s expansion has increased the SDP ratio from 2.0 to 2.9 between 1990-91 and 2019-20, with IT and services concentrated in wealthier states.
• Infrastructure vs. Power Availability: Lower-income states, particularly in the Gangetic and eastern regions, lag in power availability despite similar infrastructure levels.
• Shift in Investment: Public sector investment decreased from 40% to 23% between 1990-91 and 2019-20, while private sector investment increased from 18% to 38%, with wealthier states receiving a larger share.
• Labor and Entrepreneurship: Lower-income states have lower urban labor force participation and fewer regular wage workers. Additionally, higher-income states host around 75% of organized-sector factories and the majority of India’s wealthiest individuals.

Way Forward

• Focus on developing infrastructure in lower-income states to enhance connectivity and attract investment.
• Enhance vocational training and educational programs to improve workforce employability in disadvantaged regions.
• Implement policies aimed at promoting investment and growth in lagging regions.
• Encourage entrepreneurship and innovation in lower-income states to foster business creation and job opportunities.
• Leverage public-private partnerships to drive economic growth by combining the strengths of both sectors.

Conclusion

The economic divide between India’s southern and western states and their northern and eastern counterparts is widening. Without targeted measures to promote balanced growth and equitable resource distribution, the wealth gap may continue to grow, posing risks to long-term economic sustainability and social equality.

CABINET GIVES NOD FOR BUILDING 62,000 KM OF RURAL ROADS

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU

The Union Cabinet has approved the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV), a major initiative aimed at enhancing rural connectivity by constructing 62,500 km of all-weather roads to connect 25,000 rural villages across India.

This phase is set to cover the financial years 2024-25 to 2028-29.

Financial Allocation:

• Total Outlay: ₹70,125 crore
• Central Government Contribution: ₹49,087.50 crore
• State Contribution: ₹21,037.50 crore

Focus Areas:

• Plains: Target habitations with populations of 500 or more.
• Northeast and Hill States/UTs: Address habitations with populations of 250 or more.
• Special Areas: Include tribal regions, aspirational districts/blocks, desert areas, and LWE-affected districts with populations of 100 or more.

Socio-Economic Impact:

• Enhances access to education, healthcare, markets, and economic growth centers
• Aims to improve the overall quality of life and drive economic development in rural areas

Previous Phases:

• PMGSY-I (2000): Focused on providing road connectivity to 1,35,436 habitations and upgrading 3.68 lakh km of existing rural roads.
• PMGSY-II (2013): Targeted the upgradation of 50,000 km of rural roads to improve efficiency.
• PMGSY-III (2019): Emphasized infrastructure around Gramin Agricultural Markets (Grams), higher secondary schools, and hospitals, with a focus on consolidating 1,25,000 km of roads.

Implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana

• Executors: State Governments/UT Administrations will appoint Executing Agencies for the program.
• District Level: Programme Implementation Units (PIUs) will handle planning, coordination, and execution at the district level.
• Personnel: PIUs will be staffed with qualified technical professionals.
• Linkages: State Governments will establish connections with District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs).
• Funds: Financial resources will be allocated and disbursed to DRDAs.

Conclusion:

PMGSY-IV represents a significant financial and infrastructural commitment aimed at transforming rural connectivity and fostering socio-economic development across India’s remote areas.

ORGAN-ON-CHIP TECHNOLOGY AND THE BIOE3 OBJECTIVE

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY– SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

India introduced the BioE3 policy to enhance biotechnology, focusing on precision therapeutics and biologics. Organ-on-Chip Technology: Recent advancements in this technology offer precise drug testing and disease modelling, potentially cutting costs and reducing animal use.

Organ-on-Chip Technology

• Definition: Microfluidic devices that replicate the functions of human organs on a miniature scale.
• Components: Integrates living cells, tissues, and engineered environments to simulate complex organ interactions.
• Purpose: Provides a controlled in vitro platform for studying organ-specific responses and disease mechanisms.

BioE3 Policy

• Focus: Enhancing high-performance bio-manufacturing in India.
• Support: Encourages innovation through Biomanufacturing & Bio-AI hubs and Biofoundries.
• Emphasis: Development of regenerative bioeconomy models, green growth, and circular bioeconomy practices.
• Strategic Sectors: Includes bio-based chemicals, biopolymers, smart proteins, functional foods, precision biotherapeutics, climate-resilient agriculture, carbon capture, and marine and space research.
• Goals: Advance sustainable practices to tackle climate change, food security, and health; boost job creation; support the Net Zero carbon economy and Lifestyle for Environment.
• Vision: Build a resilient biomanufacturing ecosystem for cutting-edge innovations and biobased product development.

Advantages of Organ-on-Chip Technology

• Enhanced Accuracy: Provides more precise simulations of human organ functions compared to animal models.
• Cost-Efficiency: Reduces time and costs in drug development with quicker, reliable testing platforms.
• Ethical Benefits: Minimizes or eliminates animal testing, addressing ethical concerns.

Applications

• Drug Development: Tests drug efficacy and safety, reducing late-stage clinical trial failures.
• Disease Research: Models diseases and studies their progression for targeted therapies.
• Personalised Medicine: Integrates individual genetic information to create tailored treatments.

SCHEME FOR E-MOBILITY PUSH

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE– SOURCE: THE HINDU

The Union Cabinet has approved the PM Electric Drive Revolution (PM E-Drive) scheme, a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing electric vehicle (EV) adoption and infrastructure across India. With a significant financial outlay, the scheme is designed to address critical challenges such as range anxiety and promote the use of electric mobility.

Details of the Scheme

• The PM Electric Drive Revolution (PM E-Drive) scheme, with a total allocation of ₹10,900 crore and a duration of two years, is designed to boost electric mobility in India.
• The scheme allocates ₹4,391 crore for the procurement of 14,028 e-buses, which will support state transport undertakings in nine major cities,
• ₹2,000 crore to establish over 72,000 charging stations in high EV penetration cities and specified highways.
• Additionally, ₹3,679 crore is earmarked for subsidies, covering 24.79 lakh e-two wheelers, 3.16 lakh e-three wheelers, as well as e-ambulances and e-trucks.

Details:

• E-Bus Procurement: Funds allocated to procure 14,028 e-buses, targeting major urban areas to improve public transportation and reduce emissions.
• Charging Infrastructure: Establishment of 72,000 charging stations aims to alleviate range anxiety and ensure convenient access to charging facilities.
• Subsidies: Financial incentives will support the adoption of various electric vehicles, promoting their use across different sectors.

Five Essentials of E-Mobility

• Charging Infrastructure: A robust network of charging stations is crucial for widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).
• Battery Technology: Advancements in battery technology are essential for increasing the range and reducing the cost of EVs.
• Government Incentives: Policies such as subsidies, tax breaks, and infrastructure development are necessary to promote EV adoption.
• Consumer Awareness: Raising awareness about the benefits of EVs and dispelling misconceptions is essential for driving demand.
• Grid Integration: Integrating large numbers of EVs into the power grid requires careful planning and management to ensure grid stability.

schemes to promote electric mobility

• FAME India Scheme: This scheme provides subsidies and incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles and the development of charging infrastructure
• National Electric Mobility Mission Plan: This plan outlines the government’s vision for promoting electric mobility in India and sets targets for electric vehicle adoption.
• Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: This scheme offers financial incentives to manufacturers of electric vehicles and their components to boost domestic production and reduce dependence on imports.
• Battery Swapping Policy: This policy aims to promote the development of battery swapping infrastructure, making it easier for electric vehicle owners to recharge their vehicles.

Conclusion:

The PM E-Drive scheme is a strategic initiative to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and build the necessary infrastructure. By focusing on e-buses, charging stations, and providing subsidies for various electric vehicles, the scheme aims to support India’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable transportation solutions.

CONTROVERSY OVER SALT PAN LAND TRANSFER FOR DHARAVI REDEVELOPMENT

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY– SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

The recent approval to transfer 256 acres of salt pan land in Mumbai to Dharavi Redevelopment Project Pvt Ltd (DRPPL) has sparked significant debate.

This land, which is part of a joint venture between Adani Realty Group and the Maharashtra government, is intended for constructing rental housing for slum dwellers. However, the decision has faced criticism from opposition leaders and environmentalists.

What Are Salt Pan Lands?

• Definition: Salt pan lands are low-lying areas where seawater evaporates, leaving behind salt and minerals.
• Environmental Role: These lands act as flood buffers for Mumbai, much like mangroves, by absorbing rainwater and seawater.
• Regulations: Under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification of 2011, salt pans are classified under CRZ-1B, which limits economic activities to salt extraction and natural gas exploration.

Development Pressure on Mumbai’s Salt Pan Lands

• Land Scarcity: Due to high demand and limited land in Mumbai, salt pan lands have become increasingly valuable for development projects.
• Previous Proposals: Past state government proposals, including those by Devendra Fadnavis and Uddhav Thackeray, sought to use salt pans for slum relocation and infrastructure, such as metro car sheds.

Environmental Concerns

• Flooding Risk: Salt pans are crucial for flood prevention. Environmentalists warn that construction on these lands could increase flooding risks in eastern suburbs like Vikhroli and Bhandup.
• Biodiversity Impact: These areas support diverse bird and insect species. Urban development is expected to disrupt the local ecosystem.
• Climate Plan Contradictions: The Mumbai Climate Action Plan emphasizes mitigating climate change and flooding risks. Developing salt pans contradicts these efforts.

Quality of Life for Relocated Slum Dwellers

• Suitability Issues: Critics question the appropriateness of salt pan land for housing due to potential flooding and the high costs associated with land preparation and maintenance.
• Affordability Concerns: There is a concern that the high costs of developing salt pan lands will undermine the project’s objective of providing affordable housing for slum dwellers.

Conclusion

The transfer of salt pan lands for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project raises critical concerns regarding environmental impact and the effectiveness of providing affordable housing. Salt pans, crucial for flood prevention and biodiversity, face potential disruption due to urban development.

The project’s alignment with Mumbai’s climate action goals and the practical challenges of land preparation further complicates the debate. Addressing these concerns is essential to ensure that the redevelopment efforts are both environmentally sustainable and genuinely beneficial to the intended beneficiaries.