Industrial Area: Gradually being turned into a commercial area

“Over the years industrial output had been reduced. Around 40 to 50 per cent of the plots that were converted were either lying vacant or the industry was running at losses,” said Chandigarh Industrial Association (CIA) President MPS Chawla,who is constructing the Altius hotel in Industrial Area. “With the construction of malls-cum-multiplexes and hotels,the footfall of the people will increase. This will eventually give a boost to commercial ventures in the area,” he added.

The changing character of the area has,however,also brought in problems like lack of adequate infrastructure. While new constructions are coming up,the authorities have failed to upgrade the infrastructure accordingly.

The roads are in a pitiable state. Encroachments thrive in the area with chunks of land occupied illegally. Chamber of Chandigarh Industries (CCI) President Naveen Manglani said that infrastructure needs to match up to the change.

“A lot had been promised by the Administration but nothing has come up. Just one stretch of road has been made. The public parking lot that was promised has not come up. The underpass between Phases I and II has not been made. The consumption of electricity by the converted plots is quite high. Once more such buildings come up,it might create chaos unless the infrastructure is upgraded. The existing industry needs to be given some relief. The MSMED Act should be implemented,” he pointed out.

Industries like ancillaries for tractors,automobile ancillaries,fasteners like screws,nuts and bolts are present in Industrial Area. Over the years,while some industrial units have shifted their operations outside the city,others could not find adequate space to expand their units here.

Retail outlets are also present in the area. While the number of large-scale industries came down from eight in 2006-07 to four,the micro,small,medium scale industrial sector is witnessing an increase.

Devesh Moudgil,who is the councillor for Industrial Area Phase II,said,“There is a complete lack of basic facilities in Industrial Area. The roads are in pitiable shape. The parking space is not adequate. Improvement is required in the water supply. These issues will be taken up in the coming days.”