Industrial area remains unused at Lingapura and Hiluvalli

The industrial area developed by Karnataka State Small Industries Development Corporation Ltd at a cost of Rs 1.30 crore at Lingapura and Hiluvalli is lying unused without the setting up of any industries. As a result, generation of employment in the region is still a distant dream.

To generate employment and to check migration of youth in search of greener pastures, the industrial area was set up on 10 acres of land. The previous BJP government had provided electricity, water, road and other basic facilities to the industrial area. However, industries have not come forward to set up their base in the region. As a result, weeds and grass have overrun the site. Though the industrial area was built six years ago, it is yet to be officially inaugurated. All streetlights have become defunct and the area has become a den for illegal activities.

Locals say, "agriculture is main occupation in Malnad. Industries related to rubber, arecanut and textiles can setup in the area. The government should encourage industrialists to set up their base in Lingapura and Hiluvalli."

Sources said the forest department is coming in the way of setting up of industries. When the industrial area was setup, they had not raised any objection. Now, citing an earlier order in 1940, they are claiming that the area comes under forest department.

Speaking to DH, Karnataka State Small Industries Development Corporation Ltd Shivamogga Assistant Manager Shivakumar said "the department had developed the 10 acre land. Now, the forest department claims that the said land belongs to them and are demanding an alternative land. The Corporation has written to the Tahsildar to solve the row."

Industrial extension officer Chandrashekar said, "a few entrepreneurs had come forward to set up industries in the industrial area. They had even paid the amount. However, with the objections raised by the forest department, the industries could not come up."

MLA D N Jeevraj said that he had raised the issue in the Assembly and promised to solve the issue by holding discussion with the concerned parties.