Industrialisation: Japan Consul General visits plots in Howrah

In a bid to ensure setting up of the Belur Shilpatirtha, the Consul General of Japan in Kolkata Masayuki Taga visited the plots at Liluah and Belur in Howrah where the proposed industries will be coming up.

On Wednesday morning, Taga went to the plots accompanied by the Mayor of the Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC) Dr Rathin Chakraborty, Irrigation minister Rajib Banerjee, local MLA Vaishali Dalmiya and Commissioner of HMC, Nilanjan Chatterjee.

It may be recalled that the setting up of the Shilpa Tirtha in Howrah, which was once known as the Sheffield of the country, is a dream project of the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Howrah lost all its glory due to various "anti-people" steps of the erstwhile Left Front government.

Taga on Wednesday first visited Liluah to have a look at a 250 acre plot at Pijrapole. From Pijrapole, the Consul General went to have a look at the 120 acre plot of the closed NISCO.

Expressing his satisfaction after visiting the plots, Taga said: "Both the plots are quite suitable for industrialisation. I will be conveying the message to the Japan government and the businessmen there to attract investment."

A discussion between Dr Chakraborty and the Consul General took place over setting up of the Belur Shilpatirtha. Following the discussions, Taga expressed his wish to visit the plots. Accordingly, he himself visited the plots.

Dr Chakraborty said: "The Consul General has expressed his satisfaction after visiting the plots and he was also happy with the infrastructure available in the area."

Rajib Banerjee said: "The Consul General has assured that he will be placing the proposals of setting up of the industries in Howrah to businessmen in Japan. Hopefully, with the steps taken, Howrah would once again get back the glory of Sheffield."

It may be mentioned that both the plots are close to railway station and both GT Road and highways are also closely situated. The place is also just 40 minutes ride from the airport.