Surat: The Mamlatdar of Choryasi had taken up 18 cases of encroachment on government land by ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) in the Hazira area of Surat district. Recently, the Mamlatdar office ordered a fine of ₹18 crore in 10 out of 18 cases, while procedures in the remaining 8 cases are still pending.

Meanwhile, the district administration launched a demolition drive against encroachments, clearing around 80,000 square meters of land that had been illegally encroached upon by the company. Additionally, other small and large encroachments on National Highways and government land have been removed, freeing up 52,000 square meters of land.

The action taken by authorities is not limited to AMNS. Similar action may be taken against major industries that have encroached on government land in Hazira, Udhna, Pandesara, and other industrial areas of the city. Officials have clarified that in the coming days, more mega demolitions and penalties will continue against those encroaching on government land.

Mamlatdar Nirav Paritoshi stated that for the past one and a half months, under the chairmanship of the District Collector and the guidance of the Olpad Prant Officer, the operation has been ongoing. Encroachments in the National Highway Ribbon Area of Mora and Damka villages, as well as government land under survey number 148, which had been occupied by locals and outsiders, have been demolished, and the land has been cleared. Additionally, hotels, dhabas, and puncture shops built by locals and rented out have also been demolished. An estimated 52,000 square meters of land has been freed. In the future, encroachments on government land in various villages of Hazira and Choryasi taluka will be identified, fines will be imposed, and legal action will be taken.

He further stated that 18 cases were filed during the site investigation, and more cases are being registered. So far, decisions have been made in 8 to 10 cases, including the ₹18 crore fine on ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel and the removal of encroachments from 80,000 square meters of land. Other cases are still under process, and further action will be taken soon. DeshGujarat