Journalism of Courage
The apparent slowdown in the manufacturing sector has not deterred small and medium scale enterprises from seeking to set up shop in the industrial areas of Chakan and Khed. As per Ajit Relekar,regional officer of Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC),more than 3,000 companies are waiting for land to be allocated to them in the industrial areas.
Good road infrastructure,ready market and other ancillary reasons attract industries, he said. Land is granted to the companies at a huge concessional rate and on a first-come-first-served basis.
Dispelling doubts about the project,Relekar said MIDC had decided to go ahead with developing the land itself. At present,the land acquisition process is in its last stage,with talks about amount of compensation going on. Land for more than 20 villages in the region is to be included in the area.
Speaking about the proposed development in the area,Relekar said emphasis would be put on building infrastructure. Road connectivity is a major issue with no proper approach road for the site. Also in order to attract business in the region,six-laning of the Pune-Nashik Road has to be completed. The project is stuck near Talegaon because of land acquisition issues. Once it is cleared,we hope more investment would roll into the area.
Awaiting allotment
Khed
*Auto components tier 2 and 3 manufacturing companies,including those involved in support functions of major auto chains
*Small to medium size component companies dealing with welding,moulding etc
Chakan
*Manufacturing companies that deal with information technology (IT) support for automotive components
*Companies dealing with basic support functions and workshops for production of components
