ગુજરાતી
English
Environmental Degradation: The Place Where Modi Celebrated World Environment Day Faces Pollution and Mangrove Loss Concerns
Mangroves Lost Across 20 Kilometres — What Would One See Just Half a Kilometre Beyond the Event Venue?
Dilip Patel
Hazira/Surat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Hazira industrial region near Surat on June 5, 2026, to mark World Environment Day. The event highlighted green energy, green steel and sustainable development, projecting Gujarat as a model of environmentally responsible growth. However, the same region has long been at the centre of debates over pollution, mangrove destruction, land disputes and the livelihoods of fishing communities.
Local residents argue that had visitors travelled just half a kilometre beyond the event venue, they would have witnessed a different side of Hazira’s development story.
Hazira is one of India’s largest industrial hubs, home to major companies including Reliance, AM/NS India, ONGC, NTPC and L&T. Estimates suggest that industrial investments in the region exceed ₹1 lakh crore.
Alongside this industrial expansion, concerns regarding air, water and land pollution have persisted for years. Residents have repeatedly complained about chemical odours, haze, dust and respiratory discomfort, particularly during nighttime hours. Some monitoring reports have recorded PM2.5 and PM10 levels above recommended limits.
Villages such as Suvali, Damka, Mora and neighbouring settlements have frequently raised concerns over fly ash, industrial dust and unpleasant odours.
Environmental groups and local organisations have also expressed concerns about the impact of industrial discharge and wastewater on the Tapi estuary and surrounding coastal waters. In 2025, after a large fish mortality incident near Damka creek, local communities alleged that polluted wastewater had entered the waterbody.
One of the most significant environmental concerns in Hazira is the loss of mangroves. Satellite-based studies and environmental assessments indicate that approximately 1,500 to 2,000 hectares of mangroves and associated mudflats in the Hazira peninsula and nearby coastal areas have been damaged or lost over the past three decades.
Mangroves play a crucial role in protecting coastlines from erosion and storms while providing breeding habitats for fish and other marine species.
Several disputes from the region have reached courts and environmental tribunals. In 2016, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered environmental compensation of ₹25 crore in a case related to Hazira Port. Issues concerning mangrove protection, coastal construction activities, environmental compliance and fishermen’s grievances were central to the proceedings.
Information presented in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly indicates that legal proceedings have also been initiated in connection with alleged encroachments on government land in the Hazira area. Cases involving approximately 62.56 hectares of government land and penalties exceeding ₹106.82 crore have been reported.
Farmers and local residents have raised concerns about the allocation of grazing lands and agricultural areas for industrial purposes. Some villagers allege that compensation did not adequately reflect prevailing market values, while others argue that local employment opportunities have not matched expectations despite large-scale industrial investments.
Community organisations have additionally highlighted concerns regarding sewage management and wastewater treatment infrastructure in and around Hazira. Complaints related to respiratory and skin ailments have also been reported, although scientific verification is not available for every individual claim.
There is little doubt that Hazira serves as a major economic engine for Gujarat. The region contributes significantly through steel production, petrochemicals, energy infrastructure and exports, generating employment and revenue for the state.
At the same time, questions surrounding environmental sustainability, mangrove conservation, fishermen’s livelihoods, land rights and community welfare continue to attract public attention.
World Environment Day celebrations emphasised the importance of green development. Yet in many villages surrounding Hazira, residents continue to ask whether the balance between industrial growth and environmental protection has truly been achieved.
