From the archive record
An aerial view reveals neat geometric patterns of salt farms and evaporation pans near Gopalpur-on-Sea in Odisha, India. The vast network of rectangular salt fields forms striking patterns across the landscape. Some pans are filled with bright white crystallising salt drying under the sun, while others appear empty after harvest. These traditional saltworks are part of the rural “namak” industry, where seawater is evaporated in shallow ponds to produce salt for everyday consumption. From above, the organised grid of salt fields creates a fascinating mosaic of textures and colours, reflecting both the natural process of evaporation and the labour of local workers who harvest salt from these pans.