MoPSW to purchase more than 5,000 acres of Maharashtra salt pan property

 These salt pan lands are located in the Mumbai suburbs of Ghatkopar, Belapur in Thane, and Palghar, Vasai, Karanja, and Pen in Raigad.In order to further industrial and maritime infrastructure projects, the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways proposed to purchase 5,195.894 acres of salt pan lands in Maharashtra. These salt pan lands are located in the Mumbai suburbs of Ghatkopar, Belapur in Thane, and Palghar, Vasai, Karanja, and Pen in Raigad. It is a component of the Union ministry’s larger strategy to redevelop vast areas of land for important port and industrial projects, like the planned Vadhvan Port in Palghar district. 

The Ministry asked the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to transfer these lands in a letter dated September 20, 2024. The ministry then provided updates on October 1 and October 14. The 40,294.60-acre national target, which includes states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha, includes the Maharashtra parcel. The Palghar area is strategically significant, especially for the future Vadhvan Port, which is set to increase India’s capability for maritime trade, according to a senior official.