In a significant development related to the transfer of salt land in both the cities, Union Commerce and Industry Minister- Piyush Goyal has directed the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) to submit a proposal through the state government as per the guidelines.
The action was taken after Naresh Mhaske, who was elected as Thane MP in the recently concluded monsoon session, raised the controversial issue of transfer of ownership rights of salt land in both the cities to the administration. Mhaske had said that many development works such as widening of Parliament Road, proposed construction of new roads, stadium were stalled due to non-implementation of handover process.
Mhaske said the transfer of salt land would provide better public amenities in the rapidly urbanizing city adjacent to Mumbai.
In the suppression of the internal policy guidelines-2012, the cabinet gave its approval to issue revised internal policy guidelines (No.P-34029/11/2018 -SALT-Part-I (E-50048) dated August 23, 2024, related to the transfer of Salt Commissioners Organisation (SCO) lands for public purposes, subject to terms and conditions laid down by the ministry of commerce and industry, department for the promotion of industry and internal trade.
Interestingly, the state government is determined to open the salt pan for developmental projects. However, the transfer proposals were stalled due to issues like the land allocation formula between the Center and the states and ongoing litigation.
During a visit to Uttan near Bhayandar, Goyal promised to remove the findings. It was also promised to pave the way for the transfer of the ownership rights of some land parcels of salt pans in the city to the administration at the earliest. At present, all matters relating to Mithangars fall under the jurisdiction of the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
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