J&K dedicates land bank for industries

Jammu, Nov 17 : The Jammu and Kashmir Department of Industries has dedicated land bank for new industries and existing industries planning expansion, officials said on Tuesday.
An official statement said the Industrial Policy 2016 envisaged creation of land bank of 20,000 Kanals over a period of ten years across J&K, with emphasis on locations outside urban areas.
“To give a boost to economic activities like manufacturing and service, the Government of J&K in line with the Industrial Policy of 2016, has transferred 25,000 Kanals of State land to Industries and Commerce Department. Out of the total land transferred, 17,000 Kanals is in Jammu Division whereas 8,000 Kanals is in Kashmir Division,” the statement said.
This land bank consists of non-forest, non-agricultural primarily barren state land parcels. It has been identified by revenue authorities in consultation with the industry department and shall be put to use for development of Industrial Estates over next few years.
“The creation of Industrial land bank and developing new Industrial Estates is an ongoing process since 1960’s when the first Industrial Estate was established at Digiana in Jammu. Subsequently in early 2,000 and thereafter after a gap of 8-10 years this exercise is carried out for expansion/extension of industrial estates to accommodate new entrepreneurs with an objective of generating employment opportunities,” the statement added.
The statement further informed that with the announcement of Industrial friendly packages by the Government of India the region witnessed a spur in industrial activity across J&K which resulted in creation and expansion of new Industrial Estates at Samba, Udhampur, Rangreth, Khunmoh and Lassipora etc.