New Delhi, July 1: The Union cabinet on Monday approved the proposal for setting up of rubber park in Kerala at a total cost of Rs.36.61 crore. It will facilitate processing of rubber and rubber timber.

The cabinet also allowed equity participation upto Rs.10 crore by the Rubber Board on this project and for disinvestment of shares after the park becomes operational.

The project aims at the overall growth of rubber industry in the country by providing badly needed infrastructural facilities and access to technology at affordable capital and recurring expenditure. The project is expected to create direct employment, generate foreign exchange earnings and help development of ancillary units, providing direct and indirect employment for about 3000 persons.

It is proposed to develop 100 acres of land at Erapuram near Perumbavoor in Ernakulam District for locating 60-70 industrial units. The park will have common facilities like internal roads, container parking, testing and certification, pollution control, communication centre, customs, and excise bonded warehouse, tool room, fire protection centre, administrative buildings. Kerala Electricity Board has agreed to provide un-interrupted power supply through a separate 110 KV sub-station.

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