Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: One-time grant under State scheme aims to protect heritage, boost livelihoods, and restore wetlands
The Goa government has approved a one-time financial assistance of ₹95 lakh for traditional salt pan cultivators under the Salt Pan Conservation, Support and Revival Scheme, which will come into force from the ongoing financial year.
As per a notification issued by Director of Environment Sachin Dessai, a major portion of the allocation—₹75 lakh—has been earmarked for direct monetary support to salt farmers. Under this component, 75 traditional salt pan cultivators will receive ₹1 lakh each annually, helping them sustain and revive age-old salt-making practices that have been steadily declining.
The remaining ₹20 lakh has been allocated for institutional backing. This includes ₹10 lakh towards staff salaries and another ₹10 lakh for administrative and office-related expenses of the proposed Salt Pan Support Unit, which will oversee the execution and coordination of the scheme across the State.
Launched in November 2025, the scheme is designed not only to restore traditional salt pans but also to rejuvenate associated wetlands, recognising them as valuable ecological systems. The initiative also seeks to promote the production of premium bio-salt while ensuring sustainable income opportunities for traditional salt workers, many of whom have faced shrinking earnings and abandonment of salt pans in recent years.
To strengthen implementation, the government has constituted a Special Task Committee tasked with framing policies for the conservation and revival of salt pans statewide. The committee is also conducting surveys to map existing salt pans and evaluate their current condition.
The initiative marks a significant step towards safeguarding Goa’s salt-making legacy while balancing environmental conservation and livelihood support.
