Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Nov 13: The much-anticipated Plastic Park project at Ganjimath, which had attracted attention as a unique industrial initiative in the state, has finally gained momentum. The project, delayed for several years due to multiple land disputes, is now progressing swiftly as most of the legal cases have been resolved in court.
Plots earmarked for various industrial units have been developed, while separate hostel facilities for male and female trainees and a cafeteria have been completed. The final phase of construction work is currently underway.
The project is being implemented with equal funding from the Central and State governments, with a 50-50 cost-sharing arrangement. A total of 104.28 acres of land has been designated for the Plastic Park, for which the layout plan and Detailed Project Report (DPR) received approval in 2022. However, work had stalled for several months due to disputes over 9.03 acres of land involving private landowners.
At present, most disputes have been resolved, and development work has resumed on about 8.71 acres of land, with plots being newly formed.
The construction of the Central Institute for Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology (CIPET) building, an integral part of the Plastic Park, is expected to be completed within the next four months. Spread across 16 acres, CIPET will play a vital role in plastic-related research and skill development. Separate hostel buildings for men and women, along with a cafeteria, have already been completed. The warehouse construction is progressing rapidly and is expected to be finished by December.
The Ganjimath Industrial Area currently receives water supply from the Gurpur Phalguni river. Work is underway to construct an overhead water tank and a treatment plant, which are expected to be completed by March. Once finished, treated water will be pumped into the overhead tank and distributed across the park through a gravity-fed system.
The central government had given in-principle approval for the Mangaluru Plastic Park project in January 2021. Within six months, the DPR was to be submitted for final approval, as directed by the department of chemicals and petrochemicals, government of India. The engineering division of the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) prepared and submitted the DPR, which received approval three years ago.
Approximately 50 plots of various sizes have been reserved for plastic manufacturing units. Of the 104 acres designated for the park, 60 acres will remain available for industrial use after allocating space for roads and other essential infrastructure. Plots have been prepared in sizes of 1 acre, 50 cents, and 25 cents.
Guest houses, hostels, and cafeteria construction have been completed. The remaining work includes the CIPET building, warehouse, and water tank, which are nearing completion. Apart from a few minor disputes, the project area is now largely free of litigation, and plot allocation will begin after receiving directions from the central office.
Srinivas Murthy, executive engineer, KIADB said that guest houses, hostels, and cafeteria work have been completed and the CIPET building, warehouse, and water tank are nearing completion. Except for a few minor disputes, most issues are resolved. Plot allotment will commence once we receive directions from the central office, he informed.
Gokuladas Nayak, joint director, District Industries Centre informed that no applications have been invited from companies so far, but several firms had expressed interest at the initial stage. Hence, there is significant demand for land,” he said.