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Post-Chhattisgarh CII blueprint for M.P.

Our Bureau

NEW DELHI, Oct. 29

THE Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has suggested a development strategy for Madhya Pradesh in the post-Chhattisgarh scenario.

A study -- `Chhattisgarh and its impact on economy of Madhya Pradesh'-- conducted by the Chamber, points out that the State will lose 30 per cent of its land areas, 23.38 per cent of its cultivated areas and 26.62 per cent of its population to C hhattisgarh.

Besides steel, aluminum, coal, cement and paper industries, which the State will lose to Chhattisgarh, some of the proposed projects such as projects of Mukund Ltd, Hindalco and J.K. Industries will also go to the new State. Chhattisgarh, comprising 16 d istricts carved out of the present Madhya Pradesh, will come into being November 1.

The CII study further states that from November, mineral deposits 26,908 million tonnes of coal, 197 million tonnes of ironore reserves, 38,05,000 kilos of gold reserves and reserves of bauxite, aluminum, alexandrite and diamonds which are in M.P. at pre sent, would become the property of Chattisgarh.

Further, the study shows that M.P. will also face shortfalls in power generated, to the tune of 1,400 KW which would then become the power generated by the State Electricity Board of Chhattisgarh.

However, despite these shortfalls, M.P. has the advantage of retaining the developed areas of the State and a dynamic leadership that can steer towards higher growth trajectory if it makes proper use of the opportunities, CII has said.

Based on the present level of infrastructural facilities and the level of industrial and agricultural development, CII has outlined a development strategy for MP, which suggested the use of existing opportunities and points to new opportunities for the S tate.

The study has suggested that the tourism industry needs a new focus and thrust especially as the State has three heritage sites -- Khajuraho, Sanchi and Mandu, a number of wildlife sanctuaries, opportunities in water sports such as sportfis hing and rafting and a terrain ideal for trekking.

In the power sector, the study has suggested completion of the ongoing power projects, unbundling power generation, giving distribution and transmission to the private sector, reduction in power tariffs and an increase in the capacity utilisation in the power generation plants.

Further, it states that the State has the climate and soil which is conducive to agricultural growth especially for the oilseeds and fruits. It suggests promotion of agro-based industries, horticulture, poultry, cattle farming, fisheries, promoting contr act farming, setting up fruit and food processing units and pharmaceutical industries.

The study points out that given the good human capital base, the State can look forward to developing several sectors such as information technology, bio-technology, world-class tourism management institutes, environment and research institutes and world class medical services.