Dombivili, Murbad MIDCs in sorry state

Thane, Nov 21 (UNI) Only 43 per cent of the industrial units in the Dombivili MIDC are engaged in production activities.

This was revealed during a meeting with Maharashtra Industries Minister Ashok Chavan here yesterday.

Of the total 347.88 hectares of land in the industrial area, only 267.85 hectares are being used as Industrial Zone.

Of the total 1582 industrial units allotted, only 680 were engaged in production and eleven are still under construction. The industrial area started way back in 1964, is still lacking infrastructure, the minister was told.

Following the complaints, Mr Chavan directed the MIDC officials to provide the requisite infrastructure to the industries within thirty days of their application.

He informed that under the Mega City Project, a sum of Rs 32 crore had been invested. In industrial investment, the state ranks number one which needs to be maintained, the Minister stressed.

Mr Chavan also urged the industries to provide employment to the locals and set up bases in rural areas.

The situation in the Murbad MIDC is no better as over 80 per cent of the units there are closed. This was highlighted by Labour Minister Ganesh Naik at a function at Murbad last Sunday.

Mr Naik said he had called a meeting with industrialists with a view to better the situation but the response to the meeting was lukewarm.

Mr Naik said he would apprise Governor S M Krishna on the the issue.

UNI XR MAZ SKB1655