After the Punjab Government scrapped the textile park project at Mattewara, the local industrialists have now called for an alternative land allotment on priority basis. The industry has warned that a large number of people who are depending on this project will suffer if there’s any further delay. It will harm business prospects ad employment will suffer, said the businessmen.
Expressing his thoughts on the matter Upkar Singh Ahuja, President of Chamber of Industrial and Commercial Undertakings (CICU) said, “We are not against the recent decision by Government of Punjab to scrap the proposed mega integrated textile region and apparel park near Mattewara forest as the move might be in larger interest of the state.” However the State Government should decide and offer an alternative land for the textile park at the earliest, he said.
Harish Kairpal, President of Ludhiana MSME Association said, “Though the government has scrapped the project, it should not waste time by putting the project on the back burner.” “Suitable chunk of land should be identified and finalised at the earliest so that textile park project can materialise soon and the businessmen who desirous of setting up new units or expand the old ones can do so and generate employment,” he said.
The Union cabinet in October 2021 cleared Rs 4,445 cr scheme to build seven mega textile parks, seeking to boost manufacturing and jobs. Out of these one was allotted to Punjab, which was proposed to be set up at Mattewara near Ludhiana. It was recently scrapped by the Punjab Government to protect the biodiversity of the location.
