GIDC takes over infrastructure development work in Makarpura

The decision was taken at a high level meeting between officials of the GIDC, the Vadodara Municipal Corporation VMC and the Vadodara Chambers of Commerce and Industries VCCI on Wednesday.

This comes after one Makarpura Infrastructure Industrial Development Board MIIDB failed to make headways in the parleys, even after a Memorandum of Understanding MoU was signed between MIIDB and GIDC two years ago.

GIDC will look after the repairing of storm water drains and roads.

Jayesh Rao, GIDC Divisional Manager, Vadodara, said: 8220;An advisory committee will be formed comprising VCCI, MIIDB and VMC officials to suggest the GIDC authorities about the repair work.8221;

Rao, however, refused to comment on the MoU signed between GIDC and MIIDB and the reason of delay in the project.

GIDC Managing Director M Sahu was present in the meeting, said an official seeking anonymity. The official added that the project is estimated at Rs 20 crore.

8220;Fifty per cent of the funds will be contributed by Gujarat industrial development, 35 per cent by the GIDC and the rest 15 per cent will be contributed by the plot holders,8221; the official said.

Confirming the meeting, Das said that the GIDC still needs to consult the higher authorities regarding the decisions taken today.

On the MoU with the MIDDB, Das said: 8220;MIIDB also wanted to sign an MoU with the VMC for tax waiver, claiming that it was moving forward with the infrastructure development. However, there was no progress.8221;

Comprising over hundreds of industrial units, Makarpura GIDC estate has concentration of mechanical industries. Every year, the units suffer huge losses due to flooding as the stormwater drain service remained in a bad shape.

Located on the southern part of the city, the estate forms a getaway for all the rainwater collected in the city and flows downstream through Vishwamitri, river ravine to other rivers. The maintenance of civic infrastructure, which includes roads, storm water drains, streetlights and other amenities, remained a long standing demand of the industrial units.