GS-1: Salient Features of World Physical Geography; Important Geophysical phenomena (earthquakes, tsunami, volcanoes, cyclones); Geographical features and location;

In News:Why is salt pan land being used for homes?

1.Explain the ecological significance of salt pan lands and the threats they face due to anthropogenic activities.

Salt pan lands, characterised as low-lying coastal areas where seawater periodically flows and evaporates, leaving behind salt and minerals, play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.

The ecological significance of salt pans includes:

1. Flood mitigation: They absorb excess rainwater, reducing flood risks in urban areas. For instance, Mumbai’s salt pans help manage stormwater during heavy monsoons.
2. Biodiversity support: Salt pans provide habitats for diverse species, including migratory birds like flamingos and various salt-tolerant plants, supporting rich ecosystems.
3. Intertidal activity: Salt pans serve as feeding grounds for species such as crabs and mollusks, which are essential for local food chains and attract birdwatchers.
4. Natural defence mechanism: Salt pans contribute to coastal protection by reducing the impact of storm surges and high tides.
5. Natural resource: Historically, salt pans have been used for salt extraction, providing income for local communities, such as those in the Rann of Kutch in India.

Threats from anthropogenic activities:

1. Urban development pressure: Many salt pan lands are targeted for real estate projects; for example, proposals in Mumbai aim to convert these areas into housing complexes.
2. Legal and regulatory challenges: Despite CRZ protections, loopholes allow development; recent cases show unauthorised constructions on protected salt pan lands.
3. Environmental impact: Urbanisation of salt pans increases flooding risks; the 2005 Mumbai floods highlighted how loss of these natural buffers exacerbated disaster impacts.
4. Community livelihoods: Encroachment threatens traditional salt harvesting jobs; communities reliant on these activities face economic instability as their resources diminish.

Thus protecting salt pan areas is essential for maintaining coastal resilience and ecological balance.

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Source:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/why-is-salt-pan-land-being-used-for-homes-explained/article68722845.ece#:~:text=The%20land%20will%20be%20used,government%20has%20a%2020%25%20stake.