Bihar to acquire 4,550 acres for industries

The government of Bihar has decided to acquire about 4,550 acres, to be used for setting up seven new industrial parks.

"Land is a crucial component to attract investment in the state," Industries Minister Renu Kushwaha told Business Standard. "Therefore, we are trying very hard to help investors in this matter. We have now decided to acquire 4,547 acres in Nalanda, Bhagalpur, Buxar, Lakhisarai, Banka, Madhepura and Begusarai districts. Within the next few years, new industrial parks will be developed in these areas. We will ask for farmers' help in this matter. The state also has some land, lying unused. We will include these in our plan."

In 2012-13, the Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority acquired 511 acres. Of this, 200 acres have been allocated to 336 units. The minister added, "A majority of the investors who have been allotted land have begun construction. Some of the smaller units have gone into production, too. However, we still have a long list and are trying to get land for everyone. But it may be difficult for us to give them land especially in and around Patna."

The industries department's ambitious mega industrial area will also be ready in the next financial year.

The 350-acre industrial park is being developed at Bihta, near here. Some big names, including Hero Cycles and Raymonds, are setting up units here.

The government has also decided to set up small industrial areas in every district. Said the minister, "The department has written to all district magistrates for this. They have been instructed to arrange 25-100 acres for this purpose."

In the past seven years, Bihar received investment proposals worth Rs 3 lakh crore. However, with a population density of a little over 1,100 people a sq km, the government finds it difficult to get land vacated.