An individual named Rajan Gulhane is facing a case filed by the Tilak Nagar police for allegedly attempting to seize a one-acre salt pan land in Vikhroli, Mumbai, by placing a signboard claiming ownership. The land's ownership is disputed between the State Government and the Central Government (Salt Department) and is awaiting resolution in the Bombay High Court. Gulhane replaced a sign indicating the ongoing dispute with his own sign, asserting ownership. However, the Salt Department alleges that he submitted fraudulent documents and confirmed their forgery with the Talati office. Salt pans play a crucial role in Mumbai's defense against flooding and provide habitat for diverse wildlife. They are subject to strict Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) regulations.
Last week, the Tilak Nagar police filed a case against an individual who allegedly attempted to seize a one-acre salt pan land in Vikhroli by placing a signboard asserting ownership. The accused, Rajan Gulhane, also reported to the police that he was the rightful owner and feared encroachment. This land’s ownership is currently under dispute between the State Government and the Central Government (Salt Department), and is awaiting resolution in the Bombay High Court.
In November 2021, the city civil court issued an order regarding compliance on behalf of the Union Government, which had previously placed a sign indicating the ongoing dispute. Gulhane replaced this sign with his own, claiming ownership. Subsequently, the Salt Department alleged that he had submitted fraudulent documents. They confirmed with the Talati office that the papers were indeed forged, according to an officer from the Tilak Nagar police.
In the perpetually land-constrained city of Mumbai, the salt pans represent one of the few remaining areas where development has not yet occurred. These ecologically sensitive locations are subject to strict Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) regulations that limit development.
The significance of these salt pans lies in their role as natural defence against Mumbai’s flooding. In conjunction with mangrove forests, salt pans serve as buffers, keeping seawater at bay and safeguarding the city from inundation. Additionally, these areas attract various bird species and provide a habitat for diverse insect populations. The permeable nature of the soil makes constructing concrete structures nearly impracticable.
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