Investigations sought into the alleged land scams in Hazira by AM/NS India

Surat : Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India), previously known as Essar Steel, is accused of using several forms of alleged land scams in order to grow its enormous steel production capacity at Hazira, close to Surat. The Central Government has been urged to conduct a comprehensive investigation into these allegations.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, social activist and farmer leader Darshan Naik pleaded with him to launch a comprehensive investigation into the series of land frauds committed by AM/NS India in Hazira.

In a letter to Prime Minister Modi, Naik claimed that AM/NS India had purchased the Hazira steel factory from Essar Steel in 2019. For the purpose of developing the massive steel-making factory at Hazira, Essar Steel infringed upon land parcels owned by the Gujarat Maritime Board, revenue lands, private lands, Gauchar holdings, lands belonging to the lakes in Hazira, and forest areas. The unlawful encroachments and other details at the Hazira steel plant were informed to AM/NS India when Essar Steel was acquired by them.

The majority of AM/NS India’s workforce were formerly employed by Essar Steel. Since assuming office in 2005, AM/NS India’s CEO has been personally accountable for the company’s and the erstwhile Essar Steel’s unlawful encroachments on Hazira.

According to Darshan Naik, the current CEO provided all of the direction and advice for the work that was carried out by the former Essar and the current AMNS India. In regards to the unlawful land encroachments in Hazira and the environmental difficulties, this official is misleading the State and Central Governments.

Naik has requested PM Modi to inquire with AM/NS India for the requisite clarity about their land scams in Hazira when they apply for land allotments, environmental clearance, and other projects.

“Essar Steel or the farmers’ names appear on the property documents for the lands in Hazira that are in possession for the steel factory. Even though AM/NS India has bought Essar Steel, the name of the Essar is still included in the 7/12 property document. For the land frauds in Hazira, AM/NS India will be subject to stern judicial punishment, said Naik.