Surat: ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India has been penalised by the Gujarat Revenue Department for alleged encroachment on government land in Hazira, according to information tabled in the state Assembly.

As per the government reply to a question during the ongoing Budget session, out of a total 78-04-10 hectares of government wasteland, encroachment was detected on 62-56-81 hectares. Following this, proceedings were initiated under Section 61 of the Gujarat Land Revenue Act, 1879.

A total of 15 orders were issued on January 27, 2025, and February 11, 2025, directing recovery of a penalty amounting to ₹106,82,61,220 (₹106.82 crore).

Additional 173 Hectares Under Scrutiny

During a separate inspection, the Mamlatdar of Choryasi found alleged encroachment over approximately 173 hectares of government “bin-numbered” coastal land as well as government wasteland. In this connection, nine additional cases have been registered against the company under Section 61 of the Gujarat Land Revenue Act, 1879. The proceedings in these cases are currently ongoing.

No Land Grab Case Registered

The government clarified that no offence has been registered under land-grabbing laws in this matter. Instead, action has been confined to proceedings under Section 61 of the Gujarat Land Revenue Act, 1879, which deals specifically with unauthorised occupation of government land.

The reply further stated that the process of land recovery and penalty realisation is underway. DeshGujarat