Anantnag's Sethar Sangam notified as ‘Bat Manufacturing Industrial Cluster’

Srinagar, July 29 (KNN) Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Navin Kumar Choudhary said Sethar Sangam in Anantnag has been notified as an industrial cluster for cricket bat manufacturing.

On the occasion, the principal secretary of industries, Choudhary distributed registration certificates among bat manufacturing unit owners of Anantnag and Pulwama, which would enable them to avail all benefits from the government, aimed at strengthening the industry.

Appreciating the decision of the Government, President of South Kashmir Federation of Industrialists, Anantnag, Zafar Farooq Salati told KNN India, “This is one of the old industries of the state. Now, it has been renewed due to the efforts of the Union Government.”

Around 10 years back the cluster was made and all the required equipments and various types of machinery were installed but due to some local problems between the bat industries it was shut down, he mentioned.

He said “Efforts have been taken to open it again and broilers are being set up to start the cluster which would help to dry the willow within minutes. This would further enhance the production process.”

He explained that the willow is a wood from which the bat is made.

Employment potential will rise in the area. From raw material to fully functional bat which can be exported to other countries will be made here soon, he added.

During the interaction with the Secretary, the President and General Secretary of cricket bat manufacturing association put forward some key demands for the clusters like availability of 24 hours power supply, relaxation in GST, the establishment of PHC office and bank branch, construction of CFC and close monitoring of willow smuggling.

The principal secretary assured them that all of their genuine demands would be addressed at the earliest.

He said “Our government is committed to provide all the essential modern facilities to unitholders and the possible measures will be taken to promote this industry.

He also emphasized on the manufacturing of other essentials of cricket like, wickets, gloves, handles, balls and others.

To attract the tourists Chaudhary stressed on the development of a recreational park in the zone on the banks of river Jhelum, along with facilities like Cafeteria, Handicrafts and Handloom showrooms and other such facilities to attract tourists.