IPMA to invest Rs 15,000cr in 10 years

New Delhi, Jan 14 (UNI) The Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA) will invest Rs 15,000 crore over the next 10 years in the paper industry, which is poised to grow to 13.95 million tonnes in 2015-16.

''The IPMA Member Mills alone will be investing Rs 12,000 crores - Rs 15,000 crores over the next ten years,'' said Pradeep Dhobale, newly elected President of IPMA.

Mr Dhobale who is Divisional Chief Executive of ITC Ltd (Paper Boards and Speciality paper Division) has taken over the mantle of IPMA president from Mr R R Vederah, Managing Director, Ballarpur Industries (BILT).

IPMA is the apex body of the large integrated paper mills operating across the country representing the organised sector of the Indian Paper Industry, which includes the private as well as public sector.

Speaking after his appointment Mr Dhobale said, a major constraint faced by the industry is inadequate availability of quality raw material at a competitive cost.

''We are pleading the government for at least two per cent access to degraded forestland on lease in the radius of 150-200 Kms to mills, to produce pulpable wood to achieve cost competitiveness in terms of wood and freight and also, help generate employment, create wealth for the rural poor besides, lend protection to the environment,'' said Mr Dhobale.

With only 7.2 Kgs per capita consumption as compared to 350 Kgs in developed countries and 42 kgs in China, the paper industry in India holds a good potential for growth.

UNI