Hazira Residents Demand Justice: Alleged Land Scams by AM/NS India Ignite Protests

Surat/Hazira : The residents of Hazira in Surat find themselves embroiled in a fierce battle against the Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) steel plant. Accusing the company of engaging in massive land scams, the community is determined to bring their grievances to the forefront.

Despite repeated complaints to the State Government by prominent figures like Darshan Naik, general secretary of Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC), no action has been taken against AM/NS India. Frustrated and aggrieved, the residents are now threatening to take to the streets in protest.

Background and Allegations

Hazira, a vibrant industrial hub in Surat, has been home to the AM/NS India steel plant for several years. However, recent allegations of land scams have cast a dark cloud over the company’s operations. The residents claim that AM/NS India has been involved in deceitful land acquisitions, causing significant financial losses to the State Government.

AM/NS India (formerly known as Essar) has encroached upon about 100 hectares of land on the sea shore and that they have been illegally dumping hazardous steel slag in 10 kilometer area.

AM/NS has been accused of gobbling 16 hectares of revenue land belonging to the State Government. About 25 hectares of private ownership land has been encroached. About 63 hectares of land purchased in the name of constructing steel plant and Nand Ni Ketan township is still on the original names of the farmers and has not been transferred. AM/NS India has encroached about 80 hectares of forest land illegally.

Darshan Naik, as the general secretary of GPCC, has been at the forefront of exposing these alleged irregularities. Naik has persistently voiced his concerns to the State Government, presenting evidence of corruption and fraudulent practices committed by AM/NS India. Despite his efforts, no action has been initiated against the company, leaving the residents feeling disillusioned and unheard.

Residents’ Outrage and Demands

The allegations of land scams have provoked intense anger among the Hazira residents. They believe that the fraudulent practices of AM/NS India have cost the State Government crores of rupees, undermining the trust and integrity of the entire community. Faced with a lack of action from the authorities, the residents have decided to take matters into their own hands.

A wave of dissatisfaction and unrest is now sweeping through Hazira. The residents are threatening to organize large-scale demonstrations to draw attention to their plight and demand justice. They seek the immediate intervention of the State Government to investigate the alleged land scams and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Government Inaction and Concerns

The lack of action by the State Government has fueled the residents’ frustration and mistrust in the system. The community believes that the government’s inaction not only undermines their faith in the judicial process but also perpetuates a culture of corruption and impunity.Naik wrote a detailed letter to Gujarat’s Chief Secretary Raj Kumar on March 6, 2023 and marked copies to the top authorities in the State Government as well as the district collector of Surat, Ayush Oak.

The residents call for a transparent and impartial investigation into the allegations against AM/NS India. They demand that the responsible parties be held accountable if any wrongdoing is found. Additionally, the community expects the State Government to address their concerns promptly and initiate measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

The residents of Hazira are determined to fight for justice and expose the alleged land scams involving AM/NS India. With their patience wearing thin due to the lack of government action, they have resorted to threats of demonstrations as a last resort. It remains to be seen whether their demands for accountability and fairness will be met, but their collective voice serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing allegations of corruption and protecting the rights and interests of the affected communities.