LAST OF THE SALT PANS: The pristine glory of Bombay's salt pans will soon be just a distant memory. The tranquil charm of the vast tracts of clear land is about to be broken by the cacophony of concrete mixers, with cement bags edging out salt heaps.

The government has decided to transfer 2,167 hectares of salt pan lands in Bombay for general housing and rehabilitation of squatters.

The decision will mark the end of salt pans in Bombay, whose existence has long been questioned in a city where real estate is among the most expensive in the world.

Photographs: Jewella C Miranda