Industry told to focus on hill development

Dehradun, December 7
Chief Minister BC Khanduri has urged the industry to focus on hill development as it was important to create livelihood opportunities in the hills to prevent migration.
He suggested that the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) should act as a catalyst in facilitating industrial investment in the hills. He was talking to a delegation of the CII last evening.
Dr S Farooq, Chairman, CII, Uttarakhand State Council, who was leading the delegation, welcomed the recent amendments to the hill policy for industry, 2008. He said the proposal to develop 11 industrial hubs would lead to planned industrial development in the hills and also address the issue of land availability. He also welcomed the proposals for strengthening the single window system.
Among other issues that were discussed at the meeting were promoting tourism and augmenting power availability in the state.
Taking a cue from the planned industrial development model followed by the state, the CII has suggested the development of special tourism zones with community engagement and environment conservation at the core of the model.
On the power front, the CII has suggested exploring the possibilities of gas-based power plants.
The Chief Minister also released a CII report on “Investment climate in Uttarakhand”. The report highlights the positive investment climate in the state as reflected in its economic and social progress. According to the report, the state has not only registered high rates of economic growth, it also ranks first in terms of improvement in the HDI during 1996-2006.
Also present on the occasion were Atul P Renavikar, Chairman, CII, Kumaon zone and head, TATA Motors Plant, Pantnagar.