MP to develop new industrial areas

With growing urbanisation and substantial increase in housing projects in city areas, the Madhya Pradesh government is once again looking at the Centre’s support to develop new industrial areas and growth centres.

The state has readied a plan to develop new industrial areas on an area of 500 hectares in 10 districts of the state with an investment of Rs 92 crore. However, much will depend on the central government’s support.

“The state industrial department has plans to develop new industrial infrastructure in Seoni, Chhindwara, Umaria, Katni, Gwalior, Sagar, Dewas, Ujjain, Raisen and Vidisha districts. The land has been identified and government is planning to invite private sector industries in these areas,” a government official said.

The Gwalior and Katni industrial areas will invite investment from private food readymade garment and food processing units respectively while Sagar district will attract small and micro industrial units. “Each industrial area will have at least 45 hectares of land for proper development,” said the official.

At present, industrial areas of Mandideep (Bhopal), Malanpur (Gwalior), Maxi (Ujjain), Dewas and Maneri (Mandla) have exhausted their land areas and a number of industries are waiting for land allotment. “We have no land area in Dewas for industrial use, government has no proper plan so that industries can expand further,” said an office bearer of Dewas Industries Association.

The present investment outlook in manufacturing sector is bleak due to non-availability of land. The main investors are from power sector mainly focused in Singrauli and Sidhi districts. The state government is waiting for Central support of Rs 54 crore while Rs 5 crore will be arranged from various banks and financial institutes.