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SEZ for Sattur gains momentum

VIRUDHUNAGAR: After a long wait, the move for establishment of a special economic zone near Sattur has gained momentum, with several industrial houses evincing interest in setting up units.

Amid appeals from various quarters to the State government to invite the Tatas for setting up its industry in the State, it is learnt that Tata representatives had inspected the site a few months ago.

“They also visited the nearby Irukkangudi reservoir,” an official said.

“It is not the Tatas alone who have shown interest in coming here. Representatives of a few other industries, too, have visited the site,” Sattur MLA and Minister for Backward Classes K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran said.

Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi has accorded top priority for industrialisation of this backward district, he added.

Explaining the salient features of the site, the Minister said the topography of the 3,000-acre land at Etturvattam, Muthulingampuram and Kumaralingapuram villages was even.

It was located right along the four-lane road on which work was under way.

“It will take only an hour for people to drive to the site from the Madurai airport. Besides, the Tuticorin port is only a three-hour drive,” he said.

Two rivers, the Arjuna and the Vaippar, flow close to the site.

Out of the 3,000 acres identified, only 200 acres was government poromboke, the official said.

However, it was mainly dry land.

“People here have turned to match manufacturing that is more lucrative,” the official said.

The most important advantage was land acquisition, he said. Mr. Ramachandran expected no political opposition to acquisition of the dry land.

“People are aware that there is no heavy industry here. Besides, the district offers more educated youth who can find employment in the SEZ,” he said.

The official said the government would facilitate the land acquisition through private negotiations between the owners and industrial units.

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