Madhya Pradesh keen to turn Chambal Valley into industrial area

Once famous for dacoits and gunfire, the ravines of Chambal in Madhya Pradesh could soon hum with factory sirens. The State Government has already started levelling the ravines and is eager to give away the land for industrial use.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is seeking the help of investors from across the country to to develop several sector-specific industries in the State. At the Global Investor Summit to be held in Indore, the State Government has said it would be pitching for the development of the ravines.

Chouhan was in Mumbai to invite corporates to invest in the State. Speaking to media persons, Chouhan said that acquiring farm land for industries had become a difficult task.

He said the Madhya Pradesh Government has decided to convert the ravines of the Chambal valley into industrial land.

He added that the establishment of industries in the ravines would result in growth of the region.

Chouhan said the ravines are spread over 18 lakh hectares and added that there using technology the ravines could be flattened so that the land could be put to industrial use.

“The ravines were once famous for dacoits, but today, most of the dacoits have either been killed or locked in jails. Peace has returned to the Chambal valley,” he said. Adding that land was in short supply around New Delhi, and was at a premium where it was available, he said the ravines were a mere three-and-a-half hour drive from the capital. He maintained that it made sense to set up industrial units in the valley.

Smaller industrial areas such as Sitapur and Bohat in the ravines are being developed by the State Government.

“But if the ravine areas are to be developed on a large scale, then funding from the industry is essential. Therefore we are inviting investors for the Global Investors Summit,” Chouhan said.

He added that with the Central Government announcing 49 per cent FDI (foreign direct investment) in the defence Sector, the State Government is looking at this as an opportunity to develop defence production units in the State.

Madhya Pradesh already has three ordnance factories and a vehicle factory. The State Government aims to build on this strength. Chouhan said a Defence Production Investor Policy based on the Centre’s policy was in the works.

Smaller parts and components, which the armed forces tend to import from other countries, could be made locally. For this, Chouhan said, the State Government is eager to provide land in Itarsi and Jabalpur.

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