MoPSW to Acquire Salt Pan Lands in Maharashtra for Maritime Development

The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) is planning to acquire 5,195.894 acres of salt pan lands in Maharashtra to support industrial and maritime infrastructure projects. These lands are situated in various Mumbai suburbs such as Ghatkopar, Belapur in Thane, and Palghar, Vasai, Karanja, and Pen in Raigad. This acquisition is part of the ministry’s broader agenda to develop extensive areas of land for essential port and industrial initiatives, including the planned Vadhvan Port in Palghar district.

In a letter dated September 20, 2024, the Ministry requested the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to transfer these salt pan lands. Updates on this matter were provided by the ministry on October 1 and October 14. The national target for acquiring 40,294.60 acres, spanning states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha, encompasses the Maharashtra parcel. The Palghar region holds strategic importance, especially in relation to the upcoming Vadhvan Port, a project expected to enhance India’s maritime trade capacity.

The initiative to purchase salt pan lands in Maharashtra reflects MoPSW’s commitment to bolstering industrial and maritime infrastructure in the region. By acquiring these lands, the ministry aims to pave the way for significant port and industrial developments, with a specific focus on projects like the Vadhvan Port in Palghar. This strategic move aligns with the government’s efforts to strengthen India’s maritime trade capabilities and support economic growth in key sectors.

The purchase of over 5,000 acres of salt pan property in Maharashtra by MoPSW signifies a crucial step towards advancing industrial and maritime projects in the state. As part of the ministry’s comprehensive strategy, this acquisition is expected to unlock opportunities for port development and industrial expansion, particularly in the strategically significant Palghar area. Through targeted land acquisition initiatives, MoPSW is poised to drive sustainable growth and enhance India’s positioning in the global maritime trade landscape.

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