Kuduragundi industrial project hits a roadblock

The proposal to establish an industrial area at Kuduragundi in Maddur taluk, has hit a roadblock, due to the negligence of the officials of the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB).

A proposal was submitted to the government, seeking final notification for developing an industrial area on 109.4 acres of land at Kuduragundi village. Many businessmen have submitted applications, seeking lands to set up industries.

Out of 109.4 acres identified, 70% belongs to the government and 30% to private parties, who are creating hurdles for the project. They are also using the political lobby to exert pressure on the KIADB authorities to cancel the project, it is alleged.

So, the KIADB is citing the Revenue department's denial for land conversion. A few industrialists claim that industries have been established at several places, though the lands are yet to be converted. The KIADB should show interest and issue a final notification, they urged.

Reasons to drop project

Meanwhile, KIADB has cited two reasons to drop the project. It is claiming that the land losers are demanding a huge compensation amount and it is impossible to bring water from KRS dam to the industrial area.

Joint Director for Industries Devaraju has opined that the village is suitable to set up an industrial area. As the single window committee (ekagavakshi samiti) has already approved the project, it is not right to drop the land acquisition process, he said.

KIADB district president M P Mahendrababu said, the project, that can provide job opportunity for youths of the district, should not be stalled.

KIADB Mysuru zone officer and executive engineer Shivakumar opined that Kuduragundi is not suitable to set up industries as water should be brought from a distance of 30 km. There are various technical problems, he said.