Thousands of Crores Mining Scam to Emerge in jhagadia Gujarat? Misuse of Government Grazing Land in Padal Village's 48.6815 Hectares

Bharuch, Gujarat – Chhotubhai  Vasava, a former MLA of Jhagadia, has exposed significant irregularities in the mining lease granted to New India Minerals Industries in Padal village, Jhagadia Taluka. The lease covers 48.6815 hectares, spanning old survey numbers 552, 554, 553, 559, 581 (P), and new survey numbers 407, 408, 330, 399, 379. Numerous complaints have been filed by locals alleging that the necessary clearances for this lease were obtained using false information.

7-Time Tribal MLA Chhotu Vasava

Despite repeated requests for investigation and cancellation, no action has been taken by the relevant authorities, including the Bharuch Geology and Mining Office, Bharuch Collector, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and his office. If a thorough investigation is conducted, a scam potentially larger than the Surat land scam could be uncovered. The Surat scam involved 2.17 lakh square meters, whereas this lease spans 4.86 lakh square meters.

Major Allegations:

False Data: Misleading information was provided during the SEAC meeting regarding the type of land, presenting government wasteland and agricultural land instead of the actual grazing land.

Misuse of Grazing Land: The area in question is designated as "Sarkari Gauchar," protected under the Gujarat Gauchar Policy and Supreme Court rulings.

Violation of Environmental Clearance: The environmental clearance (EC) was obtained through false information, making it invalid, yet mining continues.

Tribal Rights: The area is a Scheduled Tribe area under Article 244(1) of the Indian Constitution, protected by various legal provisions.

Despite numerous complaints to the Prime Minister, Chief Minister, and the Mining Department, including detailed SEAC meeting minutes, local complaints, and village Gram Sabha resolutions, the authorities have failed to act.

Chhotubhai  Vasava has decided to escalate the matter to the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister, urging a thorough investigation. If Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other officials conduct a proper inquiry, a mining and land scam worth thousands of crores, potentially surpassing the Surat scam, could be exposed.