Question : UTILISATION OF UNUSED SALT LANDS



(a) the details of unutilized salt lands in the country, State-wise;

(b) whether many developmental projects of State and Central Government including Public Sector Undertakings are held up because of delay in allotment of salt lands; and

(c) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government in this regard?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY(SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)

(a) to (c): The details are given below:

(i) In Greater Mumbai, Maharashtra 5378 acres of salt pan lands were identified for utilizing for socio-economic purposes and ordered for transfer to Ministry of Urban Development. Out of this, about 979 acres of land have been handed over / transferred to various Central and State agencies for developmental purposes. Government have decided that available developable land to the extent of 1648 acres in Mumbai and its Suburbs would be shared equally between Government of India and Government of Maharashtra. However, there are a number of cases pending in various Courts due to ownership disputes between the Government of India and private parties/ lessees, termination of leases, etc.

(ii) In Tamil Nadu, about 6100 acres of salt land in Thiruvallur and Kancheepuram Districts have been identified for transfer to Central and State agencies for undertaking infrastructure projects. Out of this, about 4915 acres have been ordered for transfer to various Central and State government agencies.

(iii) In Andhra Pradesh, Central Government has decided ‘in principle’ to transfer about 775 acres of salt land in Nellore District to the State Government of Andhra Pradesh for development of Krishnapatnam Port.

(iv) The requests of various Central and State Government agencies for transfer of salt land are processed as and when received by following due procedure and keeping in view the overall national interests and the requirements of salt industry in India.