Kadapa SEZ fate hangs in balance

The fate of the ambitious Special Economic Zone (SEZ), envisaged to provide employment and development to the industrial sector in the district is hanging in the balance as entrepreneurs are apprehensive of investing in the proposed project, post to YSR death.

Kadapa: The fate of the ambitious Special Economic Zone (SEZ), envisaged to provide employment and development to the industrial sector in the district is hanging in the balance as entrepreneurs are apprehensive of investing in the proposed project.

Former chief minister, Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy pla-nned to set up the SEZ in Kopparti village of Chinta-kommadinne mandal.

Accordingly, the Revenue and AP Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) acquired 9,000 acres of land in the village and subsequently several conglomerates came forward to set up their units in the SEZ.

However, YSR’s sudden demise compelled industrialists to cancel their proposals rendering thousands of acres useless because the government did not even allow farmers to cultivate their land.

Except for a Pharma company setting up shop on about 20 acres, no industry has taken an initiative so far.

A steel company showed much enthusiasm to set up a plant on the proposed land but withdrew its plans anticipating a loss.

Upset with industrialists decision, the APIIC decided to offer an acre land to small entrepreneurs to set up their units.

Accordingly, officials prepared 400 acres in the first phase and provided roads and basic amenities to attract investors. The scarcity of water also pos-ed a problem to industries.

However, officials have also taken measures to facilitate water as well.

(source: DC)