Govt mulls lowering base price of land for theme cities

The state government is contemplating bringing down the base price of land offered to develop theme cities at five different locations in the state. The move could be taken to attract prospective developers to develop the theme cities.

According to sources, the decision would be taken in a forthcoming cabinet meeting. The state government has proposed to develop five theme cities – Tista in Siliguri, Agnibina in Asansol, Samriddhi in Kalyani, Sports City at Dumurjola in Howrah and Uttam City at Baruipur.

The base price that was set earlier did not help much in attracting developers, according to sources. As a result, the government may take the decision to bring it down.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Housing and Industrial Development Corporation has been given the right to provide land to the companies who had shown interest in setting up their units in three industrial parks. The decision was taken in the cabinet meeting on Monday.

Five companies have shown interest in setting up their units. Indian Oil Corporation requires a 1,475 acre plot in Panagarh Industrial Park. Inox Air Products 

Private Limited has asked for land in the industrial park. There is only 455 acres of land in the industrial park lying vacant. Both the companies will get plots out of the remaining land.

BITCHEM Asphalt Technology will be investing Rs 1,500 lakh to set up a unit in Plasto Steel Park at Barjora. Two food processing companies have asked for land in Sankrail Food Park in Howrah.