MYSURU: Badanakuppe-Kalambella Industrial Area developed under the Suvarna Karnataka industrial corridor programme in backward Chamarajanagar has no takers. The project that was designed and developed in 2014 under the leadership of the previous chief minister Siddaramaiah and then minister H C Mahadeva Prasad “to bring in investments to the backward district and generate employment”, has not clicked, as no industry has come up in it in the past three years.
Due to delay in giving electricity connections and Cauvery water to the 1,160-acre industrial area, many applicants have taken back their initial deposit, and they cannot be blamed. The land acquired by paying Rs 20 lakh per acre to farmers of Badanaguppe and neighbouring villages is “nothing but a barren land that is only serving the purpose of grazing for local shepherds”, according to an applicant.
Mahadeva Prasad who wanted to develop Chamarajanagar into an industrial hub took Siddaramaiah to Coimbatore, where they held roadshows to attract investors, including owners of granite companies and offered them subsidy. The strategy did not work, for they felt that Rs 36 lakh per acre was too high and the “laboured pace” at which work was getting done would “hamper” their prospects.
The government has sanctioned Rs 33 crore for power connection and KIADB has released Rs 12 cr, and Rs 20 cr for development of the estate that has brought down prices to Rs 36 lakh per acre.Mysore Industries Association, President Sureshkumar Jain says many industrialists keen to own a plot and set up their business there have withdrawn taken back their deposits as the project could not take off on time. “The price tag is also a concern for the investors,” he said.
Development officer of KIADB Ramu said, “The government is doing all it can to attract investors, and Chamber Of Commerce will hold roadshows in Tamil Nadu towns for the purpose.”