KOCHI: It has been over a decade since the first steps were taken to develop the Hi-Tech park by Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Kinfra) and the dream project of the state is yet to be in full swing. The land to the tune of 240 acres which was in possession of HMT Kalamassery unit was allotted to Kinfra to set up the park. Kinfra had allotted land to 19 companies for various projects. Out of them, only seven are operational, seven are under construction, three are used only partially and two are not using the land, reveals an RTI.
Kinfra had given away 210.1 acres (roughly worth ` 1680 crore) for various projects and has now 29.89 acres under its sleeve. Even though law permits to take back the once allotted land if no project/company is started after 24 months, many of the announced projects have crossed the stipulated period.
“In 2002, HMT land was allotted to Kinfra for the industrial development of the state. Though some projects have come up, a large area remains barren even after 12 years of allotment. The best example is the International Exhibition and Trade Centre, the prestigious project of Mumbai-based Zoom Developers Private Ltd. They have been allotted 40 acres for the project but only an iron structure is in place on the land. The much-lauded Cyber City project and Gem and Jewellery park are other examples which prove that only the land bank was the major attraction to announce these projects,” said CITU leader at HMT, Krishnadas.
According to the RTI reply, National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Alumni Society of AOTS Kerala, Bharat Electronics Ltd, BSNL, Company under the proprietorship of V P Lathef, Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship and Prasan Solutions India Pvt Ltd are the entities which have become operational at Kinfra Hi-Tech park. The 40 acres allotted to Zoom Developers and land given to Medistrings Medical Gas Systems have not been utilised till date.
Aerens Gold Souk International Ltd, Sutherland Global Services Ltd and Nest Hi-Tek Park Pvt Ltd have only utilised the land partially. The projects which are under construction are by Schifflies India Ltd, Gail India Ltd, Children’s Science City by Kalamassery municipality, Ubio Biotechnology Systems, Careon Healthcare Solutions, Tag Chemicals India Pvt Ltd and Greenleaf Extractions Pvt Ltd, reveals the RTI.
“Normally we can take back the land after 24 months of allotment if no projects are started. We have retrieved the land given to TCG Group and RMZ Group. But some companies have requested us to give additional time to implement the project and we allowed it.
“The High Court gave more time for Zoom Developers after it approached the Court,” said a Kinfra official.