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Few takers for space at GNS Industrial Estate
There have been only six takers for factory space at the Gajendra Narayan Singh (GNS) Industrial Estate in Saptari district which contains 20 plots, Industrial District Management Limited (IDML) said. The manufacturing zone was established in 1986 with Indian assistance.There have been only six takers for factory space at the Gajendra Narayan Singh (GNS) Industrial Estate in Saptari district which contains 20 plots, Industrial District Management Limited (IDML) said. The manufacturing zone was established in 1986 with Indian assistance.
“Even these few factories want to leave due to criminal activities and harassment for donations by different Tarai-based groups,” said Nanda Kishor Basnet, chairman and general manager of IDML.
Sarlahi is one of the hotbeds of the ongoing Madhesi agitation. “The impact of the unrest in the Tarai has been seen in this zone,” said Basnet. “The main problem here is security, and we have asked the Home Ministry to arrange security.”
The industrial zone has infrastructure like developed land, boundary walls, electricity distribution network, drainage system, industrial sheds and warehouses.
“There is a separate electricity feeder in the area, and water facility has also been arranged with a new tube well sunk last month,” said Basnet.
The industrial estate is spread over 294 ropanis out of which 171 ropanis have been developed. The service sector occupies 141 ropanis.
The companies based at the estate have invested more than Rs35 million while the government has spent Rs48.6 million.
In contrast, other industrial estates have been flooded with applications for space to set up factories, Basnet said. IDML has ensured electricity for 16 hours daily, and industrialists are keen to establish manufacturing units in such zones to escape load-shedding.
“Many lawmakers have been asking me to provide land for factories. But I cannot give an inch at Balaju or Hetauda industrial zones,” said Basnet.
Last year, IDML enlarged the Hetauda Industrial Estate by adding 20 bighas of land of Hetauda Textile Factory. According to Basnet, the land has already been rented by factories.
“A total of 15 factories are coming to the area within the next two-three months,” said Basnet.