The Adani Group has clarified that the Union Government has actually denotified Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd’s request for expansion of the existing SEZ at Mundra in Gujarat.
Reacting to media reports pertaining to the denotification of SEZ on incremental 1,840 hectares (ha) of land, a group spokesman said the company already has over 6,473 ha of notified land as multi-product SEZ, which has no relation with the aforesaid 1,840 ha land for the SEZ.
“We had sought clearance for this additional land for expansion in future. The clearance was turned down as the authorities felt that the proposed area lacked contiguity. We will seek clearance for this additional 1,840 ha in due course.”
The development and operations of the Adani Port and related infrastructure on the existing 6,473 ha SEZ at Mundra are normal and not impacted by this. “It is clarified beyond doubt that none of the operations of the company, whether port or existing 6,473-ha SEZ has been impacted in any manner whatsoever."
According to reports, the Centre had denotified 1,840 ha of land for the SEZ at Mundra on the grounds that this land is not contiguous, was landlocked and was not vacant, which, together, violated the SEZ rules
for setting up a tax-free zone.
However, as the company can approach the Board of Approval in the Union Commerce Ministry to seek fresh permission, the Adanis would be re-applying for permission.