Udupi Deputy Commissioner Directs Acceleration Of Industrial Development To Boost Employment

Udupi, Jun 30 (KNN) Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa TK has instructed district officials to expedite the establishment of industrial units across Udupi district as part of efforts to create employment opportunities for local residents. 

The directive came during a series of administrative meetings held at Rajathadri, where multiple committees convened to address industrial development challenges.

The meetings included sessions of the District Level Kaigarika Spandana Samithi, District Single Window Clearance Committee, Export Promotion Committee, and the District-Level Monitoring Committee for the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme. 

During these proceedings, the Deputy Commissioner outlined a comprehensive approach to industrial expansion in the region.

Officials have been directed to accelerate land acquisition processes for industrial zones at four key locations. The identified sites include 74.8 acres at Shivapura in Hebri taluk, 38.7 acres at Kerebettu, 50.4 acres at Nitte in Karkala, and 101.1 acres at Uppoor in Brahmavar taluk. 

The Deputy Commissioner emphasised the need to fast-track all related procedures to establish these industrial areas.

Trade volume data presented during the meetings revealed a concerning decline in district business activity. 

The district recorded commercial transactions worth Rs 2,496.2 crore during the 2023-24 financial year, while the current fiscal year 2024-25 has registered only Rs 1,930.3 crore to date. This represents a significant reduction in overall trade performance.

Fish exports, which constitute a major economic contributor to the district, have experienced a notable decrease. Export volumes dropped from 1,07,989.5 metric tonnes valued at Rs 1,726.2 crore in the previous year to 76,531 metric tonnes worth Rs 1,084.7 crore in the current period. 

The Deputy Commissioner has called upon the fisheries department to provide comprehensive support to exporters to improve performance during the remainder of the fiscal year.

The administration has issued warnings regarding undeveloped industrial plots, stating that idle land allocations will be reclaimed and redistributed to active developers. This measure aims to ensure optimal utilisation of designated industrial areas and prevent speculative holding of allocated plots.

Employment policies were also addressed during the meetings, with reference to the Dr Sarojini Mahishi Committee Report recommendations. 

The Deputy Commissioner reiterated that local Kannada-speaking residents should receive preference in job opportunities, particularly for Class-D positions, even in cases where formal educational qualifications may be absent. 

Industries have been urged to increase recruitment activities through enhanced advertising and community outreach programs.

Infrastructure development concerns were raised regarding delayed land acquisition for road expansion to the Belapu Industrial Area. Officials have been instructed to prioritise this project to improve connectivity to existing industrial facilities.

Environmental compliance issues at the Shivalli Industrial Area have drawn administrative attention. 

The Ready Mix Concrete unit operating in the area has been identified as problematic, with original plot allottees reportedly leasing land without obtaining required permissions. These operations have been cited for causing air and water pollution in the vicinity.

The Deputy Commissioner has directed the Pollution Control Board to revoke environmental clearances previously granted to non-compliant units. 

Additionally, the industry department has been tasked with organising a joint meeting involving exporters and relevant government departments to develop strategies for increasing export volumes from the district.

The comprehensive review underscores the administration's commitment to balancing industrial growth with environmental protection while prioritising local employment generation in Udupi district.

(KNN Bureau)