JOIN USState turns Bellary a Steel City
Incidentally, Bellary district houses India’s second largest steel plant JSW Steel Limited which boasts of a capacity of 7.8 million tonnes. Official sources told Deccan Herald that a blueprint to make Bellary district — Steel Manufacturing Hub has been put in place. Styled as Vijayanagar Area Development Authority (VADA), sources said a massive investment of Rs 80,000 crore is envisaged for the proposed project. The VADA vision, sources said, is to develop the area as India’s steel hub and key engine of economic growth with world class infrastructure and social facilities to enhancement of quality of life in and around Bellary district.
To benefit 43 villages
Sources said the project, which envisages regional economic prosperity of Rs 50,000 crore annually, will see development of 43 villages notified for the Steel City, with 2,00,000 beneficiaries. The master plan will see orderly and planned development of 582 sq km region in the district. The VADA plan was conceived, sources said, taking into consideration availability of rich iron ore deposits, presence of existing operating and expanding industrial units in the Bellary belt, for planned and integrated development of steel-driven industrial urban complex. Sources said consultants have been identified to convert VADA into India’s best industrial area for steel, mining, township and ancillaries.
The Vijayanagar Area Development Authority, sources said, will be engaged in planning and providing infrastructural support to industrial investments, besides associated urban and social infrastructure in the area.
Apart from acquisition and development of land, the authority, will spearhead setting up of social infrastructures like housing, townships, parks and centres of recreation while being engaged in creating investor friendly environment.
From speedy allotment of land, VADA, sources said, will boast of excellent road, water and rail connectivity given its proximity to VADA Port (Tadari Port). A slew of financial incentives and subsidies will be provided as stipulated by the State and Centre, and single window clearance facilitation for prospective investors, sources said. Incidentally, the government, through a Gazette, has notified Vijayanagara Development Area Authority comprising total area of 580.70 Sq Km (58070.12 hectares), covering 43 villages from Bellary, Hospet and Sandur taluks. Bellary district is renowned for its rich natural resources specially minerals in three talukas of Sandur, Hospet and Bellary.
The annual production of iron ore is over 2.75 to 4.5 million tonne. There are 23 units of large and medium scale industries with investment of Rs 447.76 crore. Besides Sathavahana Ispat Ltd, Kirloskar, other major industries include Mukund Steels, NMDC and Kalyani Steels.