(Kashiram Sharma)
Banke, December 08: The proposed Naubasta industrial estate in Banke district has been shrunk after the failure to acquire land as expected in the beginning. It was said the estate would be constructed in 1,000 bighas of land at Baijanath rural municipality-5, but it has now declined to 277 bighas of land. Chief of Naubasta industrial estate management project, Krishna Bahadur Pun, informed that the area for the project was reduced drastically as some space had to be given to other offices.
The process of land acquisition was over after detailed project report (DPR), he added. Three years back, the government had announced to construct an industrial estate. The space had to be managed even for existing settlements, Armed Police’s training center and regional jail, according to Pun.
He, however, said, “Although the industrial estate is small, agreement was made to acquire other spaces for it. Also, an agreement was made to provide 31 bighas of land to the households living for long in the estate, which further curtailed the area for industry. Plans are getting implemented to integrate the industries of Kohalpur in a single place and set up big industries as well. Environment impact assessment (EIA) for the estate has been over.
Even a notice was issued seeking suggestions and recommendation from the Ministry of Forest, if any, on the EIA. After the Ministry approves EIA, further activities would be accelerated. Proposal was made for the construction of new industries in the estate one and half year back. The government has allocated Rs 190 million for it for this year. So far, 370 entrepreneurs have submitted a letter of intent for operating business. RSS
