KOZHIKODE: The Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) will conduct a feasibility study to decide on an environment-friendly industrial venture on the vacant land of Grasim Industries at Mavoor, which was closed down in 2001 following environmental issues.
P.T.A. Rahim, MLA, who recently raised the issue in the Assembly, said a special officer appointed by the government would conduct the study and submit a report. The decision comes after several years of wait for a suitable venture in the area which now remains idle, he adds.
Mr. Rahim, who was at the forefront of campaigns for the revival of the old industrial hub, said Mavoor would no longer stand for a polluting industrial area. “Also, no elected representatives in the district are in favour of a real-estate type business on the land, as it will never generate the expected number of jobs other than protecting the business interests of a few,” he observed.
According to official records, the State government has acquired 240.39 acres for Grasim industries.
Since its closure in 2001, proposals have come from various quarters for an alternative venture in the area that can create employment opportunities without harming nature. An action committee of people too has been constituted in Mavoor panchayat to press for an environment-friendly project.
Meanwhile, Industry Department officials said an amicable settlement of a case, which was earlier filed by the Grasim Management in the Kerala High court challenging the plan of the State government to take over the land, too was crucial to the development prospects of the area.
As the State government is yet to approve any of the alternative proposals suggested by Grasim for the revival process, it may take time to finalise a feasible option, they added.
Meanwhile, KSIDC sources said the decision to conduct the feasibility study was taken five months ago at a meeting chaired by Industries Minister A.C. Moideen. Both the feasibility study report and the High Court verdict on the case filed by Grasim will be crucial to the finalisation of any future undertaking in the project area, they confirmed.