Legal case arises from salt pan land dispute in Vikhroli, Mumbai

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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Legal case arises from salt pan land dispute in Vikhroli, Mumbai

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