AMNS Fined for Encroaching on Government Land in Hazira
In a significant legal development, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India has been fined Rs. 18 crore by the Choryasi Mamlatdar for illegally occupying government-owned land in Hazira, Surat. This land encroachment case has been a long-standing issue, with local residents lodging numerous complaints over the years. In total, 18 complaints were registered against AMNS, 10 of which were heard by the Choryasi Mamlatdar, leading to the imposition of the hefty fine.
The government land in question had been used by AMNS for its operations, but it was found that the company had not adhered to the appropriate legal processes and had unlawfully expanded its facilities onto government property. This fine is a direct result of the company's breach of land usage regulations, and local authorities have now ordered AMNS to vacate the encroached land.
The Complaints and Environmental Concerns
The issue of land encroachment has been compounded by growing concerns from local residents regarding the environmental impact of AMNS’s operations. Complaints have been raised about pollution, particularly due to the slag produced by the plant. Slag is a byproduct of the steel-making process and has been linked to environmental degradation, leading to heightened scrutiny from local environmental groups and authorities.
In response to these complaints, local authorities have begun investigating the environmental impact of AMNS's operations, and the company is under pressure to take corrective actions. Residents have expressed concerns that the company’s activities are not only violating land usage regulations but also contributing to long-term environmental damage in the region.
A Series of Legal and Safety Issues for AMNS
The land encroachment issue is only one of several challenges facing AMNS Hazira. The plant has been embroiled in a series of accidents, escalating safety concerns at the facility. One of the most tragic incidents occurred in December, when four workers lost their lives in a fatal accident. More recently, another incident involving a lift malfunction resulted in the death of a worker, further raising alarms about the plant’s safety management practices.
These incidents have added to the growing criticism of AMNS Hazira, with calls for improved safety standards and better management practices. The company's legal troubles, combined with its environmental issues, have prompted local authorities to take a more aggressive stance in ensuring compliance with regulations.
Local Authorities’ Response and Future Monitoring
Following the ruling by the Choryasi Mamlatdar, AMNS has been ordered to vacate the encroached land, and local authorities will monitor the process to ensure that the company complies with the directive. The fine and the land eviction order are part of a broader investigation into AMNS's operations, focusing on both environmental violations and legal infractions.
