From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Sep 1: Large and Medium Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani on Wednesday directed the officials to focus on providing world class infrastructure facilities in all the industrial areas across the State.

The minister issued tough instructions to the officials after carrying out inspection at industrial areas in Ramanagara district’s Harohalli and Bidadi and Jigani in Anekal.

Nirani tried to get first-hand experience on the prevailing conditions in the industrial areas around Bengaluru in his daylong tour to industrial areas.

The minister instructed the officials to provide world class roads, uninterrupted power and water supply as well as sewage connections.

Upset over the laxity of officials, the minister warned of tough action against officials if they fail to act.

“Our aim is to make Karnataka no.1 destination for investors in India. We need to create an industrial friendly atmosphere. Industrialists will not come forward to make investments unless we provide them world class facilities. Urgent steps should be taken to fix the problems,” Nirani warned officials.

Emphasising the need to revive sick industries, Nirani urged officials to focus on industrial rejuvenation.

“We should strive for the growth of our industries and make Karnataka get global attention. Our focus should be on reviving sick industries. I will not allow the closure of a single industry during my tenure as Industries Minister. My aim is to revive the sick industries and make them profitable,” Nirani vowed.

Ruling out forcible land acquisition from the farmers, the minister said KIADB officials should exercise caution while acquiring land for industries.

“There is no question of acquiring even an inch of land from the farmers in a forcible manner. Land should be acquired from farmers if it is infertile and voluntary,’’ he said.

KIADB officials should exercise caution and fertile land from farmers must not be acquired. "I will take action if the citizens lodge complaints against errant officials,” Nirani said.

KIADB Chief Executive Officer N Shivashankar, Chief Development Officer B K Pavithra, KRIDL Chairman M Rudresh and other officials were present during the minister’s inspection.