Gandhinagar: Congress party has alleged that the plot in Hazira of Choryasi taluka in Surat district which was leased for 99 years, has been illegally sold to the Essar Steel. The press conference of Congress was presided by the INC’s whip and MLA from Gandhinagar North C.J. Chavda and Deputy Leader of Opposition and Danilimda Congress MLA Shaileh Parmar.

As per the press release, barren landmass area of 96, 417 sq. mt. of block no. 355 and 1,28, 488 sq. mt. of block 358 in Hazira of Choryasi taluka in Surat district was leased to Shantilal Jerambhai Patel for 99 years. The lease was granted on 29/05/1954 by the then collector on the condition of transforming the barren landmass into fertile cultivable land. However, the task of making the landmass cultivable was never undertaken and instead the leased land was sold to Essar Steel of Hazira on 27/05/2005.

The release further stated that the activists and alert citizens of Surat have regularly raised their voices against this corruption and approached the government authorities. However their complaint was rejected every time saying that there’s no case to be considered in this matter. The letter alleged that the government which harasses innocent common masses under the Land Grabbing Act has not taken any step against the both the parties who sold as well as bought leased land illegally.

The press release has demanded a legal probe in the entire matter. Strict action has been demanded against those who sold the leased land and acquired money in the form of cheque; as well as the Essar group who purchased the plot which was leased for 99 years for making it cultivable.