The Rann of Kutch is a vast salt marsh region straddling the India-Pakistan border, primarily located in Gujarat, India, with a smaller portion extending into Pakistan’s Sindh province.

It started forming about 150-200 million years ago.

Two parts:

1. the Great Rann of Kutch to the north and
2. the Little Rann of Kutch to the southeast.

The Rann of Kutch is a unique ecosystem

Bordered by

• the Thar Desert to the north and
• the Arabian Sea to the south.

Originally, waters from the Arabian Sea entered this region.

Later, geological shifts led to the formation of a landmass that separated the Kutch basin from the sea.

During monsoons, the Little Rann turns into a shallow wetland.

About 75 elevated pieces of land turn into islands, called bets by the local Agariya and Maldhari communities.

Historically, the region has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, with influences from the Indus Valley Civilization and various Indian empires like the Maurya and Gupta dynasties.

Salt Production: The region is significant for salt production, providing 30% of India’s total salt output.

Threat:

Large-scale cattle grazing harms the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

Further, irrigation canals that bring water to the southern rim of the Little Rann add salinity to the soil.

November 2025

Centre clear ₹33.75 billion rail projects for Kutch

Aims:

• improve regional connectivity
• enhance freight movement
• support rapidly expanding industrial ecosystem
• reduce congestion Construction world