Growth centre to come up at Kotdwar

Nearly 17 industries have so far been allotted plots at the upcoming Kotdwar growth centre in the Pauri district being developed by Mahendra Acres, a Chennai-based company.

The bhoomi poojan for the growth centre, which is being set up in 100 acres of land out, will be held tomorrow in the presence of top state industry officials.

Nearly 70 acres of land has been acquired from farmers while 30 acres had been provided by the Uttaranchal government, top government officials said.

The total project cost has been estimated to be Rs 27 crore, they said adding the government is hoping to rope in non-polluting units from sectors like electronics, pharmaceuticals, textiles and computer.

In addition to this, ancillary companies of BEL, a prestigious central government public sector company would also be urged to set up its units in the Growth Centre.

The entire area of 100 acres is spreading in four villages namely Kishandevpur, Jaidevpur, Lokmanipur and Shrirampur covering 166 families, which would get benefits like employment opportunities.

"This is completely a backward region and we hope to bring it on the path of development very soon," a top Industry official told Business Standard.

Referring to the on-going activities, the official said that the government has already purchased land worth Rs 5.02 crore. Existing road connectivity from Kotdwar to Sagaddi is through a 40 feet wide state highway which would be constructed by the PWD department.

The industries which have been allotted plots include Astha Herbals, Sunbeam Remedies, Jaypee Profiles (Unit II), Surya Enterprise, Hindustan Handicraft, Khushal Herbal Distillation, Kirat Associates, J.P. International, Global Fashions, S.S. Distributors, Shivalik Herbal Solutions, Mansarovar Apparels, A.B.S. Enterprises, etc.