New Delhi, Aug 25 (KNN) Responding to the news reports of the industrial land being diverted to the real estate sector in the state, the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) of the region have raised concern over the issue and said that the land crunch might have negative implications for the industry in the state.

Talking to KNN, Nizarudeen, State President of the Kerala State Small Industries Association (KSSIA) informed about the situation.

Nizarudeen said that the industry especially the small and micro scale already face a lot of issues in acquiring land for setting up units or for the expansion of unit. The diversion of land further stacks up the problem in the city.

He informed that the case of diversion of industrial land to realty sector is not a case of the entire state but there have been such cases in the northern region of the state that houses a fair share of MSMEs.

Citing the problems, Nizarudeen said that the city with a booming population faces huge problem due to the land crunch.  If at all a unit is able to find some piece of land, it takes in a lot of effort to get clearances for the land and start a unit.

“Different clearances required for the setting up of units are a tedious process, MSMEs who are able to manage land somehow are further harassed because of the long procedures of the state departments”, he added.

Earlier news reports surfaced that land assigned to MSMEs in the state Is being acquired by real estate sector against the rules for allotment of land for industrial purposes, transfer or alienation of industrial land is not permissible without the prior written consent of the state government. (KNN/ DA)