(a) whether there are disputes regarding ownership/title and possession of land
belonging to the Salt Department in the Eastern Suburbs of Mumbai and Trombay;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Revenue Department of Maharashtra has passed certain orders
in favour of private parties;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the action taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY ( DR. RAMAN SINGH )
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. As on 31st December, 1999, there were 71 pending cases of ownership disputes and possession of lands pertaining to the departmental salt lands in the Eastern Suburbs of Mumbai ( Belapur, Bhandup, Wadala and Trombay) in various courts.
(c) to (e ): Yes, Sir. In four cases, claims of ownership of land by salt manufacturers have been upheld by the Revenue Department of the Government of Maharashtra. The Union Government is not in agreement with those decisions and has, therefore, initiated necessary legal action in the matter.