Kerala   

SEZ at Cheemeni to boost industrial production

KASARAGOD: The remote of village of Cheemeni bordering Kannur is all set to emerge as the hub of economic activity in northern Kerala with the State government planning to set up the second Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in the State here. The present functional SEZ is in Kochi.

Information Technology secretary Ajayakumar told The Hindu that the government planned to start an IT park here. We have already acquired hundred acres of land of Plantation Corporation at Cheemeni for the purpose, he said. The government will soon appoint a special officer for the venture, he added.

On the SEZ, he said the government wanted to set it up as a joint venture. He said the partners for the venture would be finalised soon. Sources noted that some of the major industrial groups in the country had evinced interest in the venture. The investment of the government in the venture would be land, said the IT secretary.

Dr. Ajayakumar noted that the administration had completed the survey of the area and other formalities and the State government would send a formal application to the Union Commerce Ministry to get the area declared as SEZ. The Union government is expected to issue the notification without delay, he said.

The IT said the IT park would be set up on the lines of Technopark in Thriuvanamthapuram.

The State government had already floated a company named Kerala State IT Infrastructure Company for the purpose, he said.

Dr. Ajayakumar said investment of Rs.100 crore was estimated to be made in setting up the park. All basic infrastructure necessary for the smooth functioning of the park would be set in place by the promoters. The IT secretary said major IT companies in the country have expressed interest in starting their centres at Cheemeni. The place is close to Mangalore airport and the proposed Kannur airport. The availability of enough land and potable water in the area are the advantages, he noted. Moreover, the IT industry would not have any negative impact on environment.

District Collector A.T. James said two major projects were likely to come up in the area in addition to the IT park. There are proposals to start a food park where major industries in the food processing were likely to set up units. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) would also start one of their camps there, he added.

Mr. James noted that the development of Cheemeni was expected to usher in an industrial revolution in Kannur and Kasaragod and generate hundreds of job opportunities for the educated youth in the area.

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