Salt Pans at Alibag

Alibag is the coastal city of the Arabian Sea. The Arabian Sea is deep and unfathomable which supports sectors like fishing, shipping and salt production. Since old times, after agriculture, salt production was the main occupation of the natives. In Konkan region, salt production was a flourishing business during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. However, the business was hit hard due to competition from neighbouring Goa region, a Portuguese colony. Hence Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj imposed a heavy duty on the salt imported. This move encouraged local salt production and its trade. During the Peshwa regime, Uran, Pen, Nagothane and Panvel were the major salt production centres in the Konkan belt. In 1755 to 1780, embankment were built to prevent the soil erosion of the land, adjacent to the creek. The land was used as rice field or for salt preparation. It is well known that salt is prepared from sea water. The team of ‘AlibagOnline’ conducted a survey to gather information of the salt preparation process.

The Process :-

In the nearby areas of Alibag, large salt pans are found in Murud area and Vadkhal, located near Pen. In these areas, the salt production business was passed down from generation to generation. As water from the creek is used, the salt pans lie in the vicinity to the creek. Salt pans prepared are large in size. The beds are ploughed, levelled by stamping and hardened. The tidal water flowing in the salt pans is regulated by embankments and sluice gates. Once the salt pan is filled with salt water, its entrance is closed. The process of evaporation converts the water into salt. After the evaporation is complete, the crystallised spotlessly clean salt from the upper layer is removed with spade.

Uses:-

The bright white salt from the upper layer is used for consumption. The salt crystals are coarse, large in size. The entire process is a natural one. Artificial process is not utilised. Hence, this salt is good for health and also in taste. The salt from the lower layer is removed using spade. This salt is not edible. However, it is useful for earthing. It is also used in chemical industries, ice factories, tanning, dyeing and bleaching etc.

The question which arises is whether salt formation from evaporation of sea water is dependent on the location. The answer is ‘Yes’. The suitable conditions of the land of the salt pan help the process of conversion of sea water to salt. After a glimpse of the fascinating salt pans, you cannot resist to pick the shining white crystals of salt from its heap. As the salt prepared is without any artificial process, it is beneficial to our health. It will not only enhance the flavor of the food but also will give good health when consumed in an appropriate amount.

By, alibagonline

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Traditional Business
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Salt Pans at Alibag