Karnataka plans 1000 acre park for defence industries in Chitradurga

Commerce and Industries Secretary V P Baligar said consultants recommended such an initiative near the second campus of Indian Institute of Science, and a new testing range of DRDO, both coming up in Chitradurga (180 km from Bangalore) on 1,500 acres and more than 4,000 acres,respectively.

Addressing a special session on promotion and development of aerospace sector in Karnataka, organised by Confederation of Indian Industry,he said the Government has acquired 1,000 acres at Devanahally, near here, to set up an aerospace industrial park.
"We have already acquired 1,000 acres. Farmers have given their land, and we have given them very good compensation". Within this proposed park, an area of 250 acres is planned to be developed as special economic zone. Government is looking out for interested parties in this regard,he said.

This SEZ could be developed by private parties, or in public-private-partnership or CII can take initiative to set up a special purpose vehicle for the purpose, Baligar said.

He said the Government would establish airstrips in almost all districts, as also helipads in tourist attractions such as Belur, Halebidu, Aihole and Pattadakal.

Chief Secretary S V Ranganath said L&T and Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd would sign an MoU on February 24 to form a 50:50 joint venture to take up the 1,600 mw pit-head power project in Chhattisgarh.