Imported timber processing zone mooted at Paradip

The state government has decided to set up an imported timber processing zone at Paradip to cater to the household demand and also give a boost to wood-based Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) in the state.

To chalk out the road map for establishing the processing zone, in line with timber industries running successfully in Kandala port area, a high level meeting was held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Bijay Kumar Patnaik in the secretariat on Wednesday.

The schedule map of the industrial zone has been prepared and the detailed project report (DPR) for the processing zone is likely to be ready in two months.

Out of 500 acres of land required to set up the timber processing zone, Industrial Development Corporation of Odisha (Idco) already has 125 acres under its possession in Paradip while the balance land has been identified in Jagatsingpur by the District Collector.

Patnaik directed the district administration to expedite the process of land alienation for establishment of the industrial zone.

It is ascertained from the sources that a special purpose vehicle (SPV) will be set up to implement this project.

The chief secretary also directed the Industries Department to identify a competent officer as a nodal officer for the zone.

It was decided to earmark 25 acres for Odisha Forest Development Corporation within this industrial zone.