In a major step towards unlocking land for development in the rapidly expanding twin city of Mira-Bhayandar, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has instructed the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) to submit a proposal for the transfer of salt pan lands under the revised internal policy guidelines of 2024. This directive marks a potential breakthrough in the long-standing issue that has hindered several key infrastructural projects in the area.
The directive follows the intervention of a first-time Member of Parliament from Thane, who raised the matter during the zero hour of the recently concluded monsoon session of Parliament. He emphasised that several critical projects, including road widening, the construction of new roads, and the development of public amenities like stadiums, have been stalled due to delays in the transfer of these land parcels. The transfer of salt pan lands to the MBMC is viewed as essential for accelerating urban development in the Mira-Bhayandar region, which lies adjacent to Mumbai and is witnessing rapid growth.
Under the revised internal policy guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry on 23 August 2024, the process for the transfer of Salt Commissioner Organisation (SCO) lands for public purposes has been updated. This policy revision replaces the 2012 guidelines and aims to streamline land transfers for public use, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined by the Ministry. The transfer process has been complicated by several factors, including disputes over land-sharing formulas between the central and state governments and ongoing legal challenges. The state government has consistently advocated for the opening of salt pan lands for developmental purposes, but these efforts have been hampered by bureaucratic and legal hurdles.
During a recent visit to Uttan near Bhayandar, the official assured stakeholders that the government is committed to resolving the impasse. He promised to facilitate the transfer of ownership rights for some of the salt pan land parcels to the MBMC at the earliest. As salt pan lands currently fall under the jurisdiction of the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, any resolution will require careful coordination between central and state authorities to address outstanding issues. This move is expected to unlock significant land parcels, enabling the development of critical infrastructure and public amenities in Mira-Bhayandar. As the twin city continues to expand, the timely transfer of these lands is crucial for supporting its growth trajectory and ensuring sustainable urban development.
