Goa Khabar : In response to a resolution moved by MLA Viresh Borkar urging the government to protect Goa’s traditional salt pans, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant visited the Batim salt pan and met with local salt farmers. During his visit, the Chief Minister assured full government support for the revival of salt pan activities and promised assistance to sustain the livelihoods of salt farmers.
The visit comes at a crucial time when the state government is ramping up efforts to safeguard Goa’s salt pan heritage. CM Sawant emphasized the administration’s commitment to preserving this centuries-old tradition, which is integral to Goa’s ecological and cultural identity. He noted that a comprehensive survey is being conducted by the Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) to identify and notify all operational salt pans in the state.
MLA Viresh Borkar, who has been at the forefront of raising this issue in the Legislative Assembly, expressed optimism that the Batim salt pan could set an example for traditional salt production in Goa. The government’s revival plan includes not only ecological restoration but also exploring new avenues for the use of Goan salt, given the decline in its traditional consumption.
CM Sawant reiterated that the revival of salt pans is a priority for the government as part of its broader commitment to protect biodiversity and support rural communities. He assured that all relevant central government schemes would be implemented to benefit local salt farmers and that the government would collaborate with experts and local stakeholders to ensure the success of the revival initiative.