Nahan foundry to reopen with pvt sector’s aid

He said the government would take care of the interest of employees and those interested will be transferred to the PWD after integration, giving seniority with other PWD employees and promotions accordingly. He said an offer of Rs 150 crore had been received from a Calcutta-based firm. The company had demanded 30 per cent state government share. This was the only factory in India manufacturing dectile pipes and the government would soon invite the party to visit the foundry. He said it would provide employment to about 1,500 youths of the town.

Vaidya said the Industries Department will set up agro, horticulture and herb-based industries in the area where raw material will be produced. He said the government had approved two big pollution-free cement industries in Chamba and Mandi districts.

Work on the Chamera power project had started and it will provide 350-mw power. He said fresh negotiations had brought down its cost from Rs 2,900 crore to Rs 2,100 crore. The project foundation was laid in 1982 but no progress had been made for the past 16 years, he said, adding that the project will start generating power in 2001. Vaidya said the Mining Department would be strengthened with more staff and vehicles to check illegal mining in the state. The office of the District Mining Officer, Nahan, would be shifted to Paonta Sahib.