Mysore emerging as industrial hub

The city of Mysore is all set to witness a big boom in the near future with the state government approving 55 medium and large industries involving an investment of Rs 9,462 crore generating 60,000 job opportunities.

In addition to the existing six industrial areas of 2,872 acres accommodating around a thousand units, the KIADB has proposed acquisition of 253 acres at Kadakola, 1,500 acres at Tandya and 650 acres at Koorgahalli and 235 acres near Hanchya for developing new industrial areas.

With these investments and expansions, Mysore, focussed as the next city of growth after Bangalore, is now poised at a very crucial stage of growth. The city, which exudes an aura of 'native princely city', is on the fast move. Its landscape is already changing with IT hubs dotting up the city's horizon.

Noting these changes, principal secretary, department of industry and commerce, Lakshmi Venkatachalam said here that the 20-km stretch between Mysore-Nanjangud is set to become an industrial corridor with a number of industrial units already functioning. The upgradation of Mandakalli airport also falls along this corridor.

"Apart from this, Bangalore-Mysore will integrate into one long corridor of business and service activity. We have to develop this corridor in the right way and right inputs," she said. Speaking at a seminar on "Mysore and its infrastructure - need for future", organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry, Mysore Zone.

Cautioning that this would make a big impact on the city?s distinct physical, cultural and social aspects, she called for planning ahead on vital issues like common infrastructure and private-public participation.

"All these have to move in tandem along with the projected growth. All stake holders of government, industry and citizens should join hands. There should be a convergence of ideas and attitudes for a common vision. We should not end up in an imbalance as in Bangalore," Jyothi Venkatachalam said.

"Mysore had a glorious past. It will now witness a challenging, enriched and growth-oriented future," she added.

Deputy commissioner Selva Kumar said, except 20 acres, the rest of 154 acres of land already acquired is placed at the disposal of the Airport Authority of India for taking up Mandakalli airport upgradation work. The CDP plan due for revision will include all the industrial areas and also Nanjangud.

Besides long-term water supply plans from the Cauvery at KRS and the Kabini on the other side of Mysore, upgradation of water and underground drainage system was part of the proposed infrastructure.

A Rs 3.5 crore tourist destination project is also being given shape, said Mysore City Corporation commissioner A B Ibrahim.

Pressure was already being seen on traffic in the city, observed police commissioner Praveen Sood, explaining measures taken for the last 18 months to improve the situation. By 2008, the number of vehicles was expected to reach four lakh, apart from the tourist vehicles. This calls for a good strategy, he said.