‘Give Nandigram industrialisation a second try’

Kolkata, March 25 A report prepared by the state Assembly’s standing committee on commerce and industries, industrial reconstruction and public enterprises has given a fillip to the idea of giving a second try for setting up industries in Nandigram which witnessed large-scale agitation by farmers against the land acquisition.

The 16th report of the committee that was placed before the House on Tuesday recommends establishing new industries in the region.

Do not deprive the people of Nandigram from the boons of industry, as there is a scope and willingness among locals in the region for newer projects, said Sudip Bandopadhyay, chairman of the standing committee.

The report states: “The committee still believes that the people of Nandigram should not be deprived of the blessings of industry. The villagers, together with the bonafide inhabitants, may form a committee to discuss with the district administration regarding the nature of industries and the area to be required for the purpose.”

Bandopadhyay pointed to Jellingham in Nandigram as the option for the West Bengal government to initiate industrialisation in the area.

Jellingham in Nandigram block-II is one the two sites — the other being Badur Anchal of Geonkhali— that were proposed in East Midnapore district for setting up of the proposed shipyard.

The committee has favoured Geonkhali as the site for shipyard building due to certain favourable conditions and at the same time it has added that Jellingham should not be ignored.