Bengal gears up to roll-out six new swanky townships

West Bengal’s State Urban Development Department has decided to set up six modern townships in accordance with the Township Policy adopted by the state government.

These townships will come up at Siliguri, Baruipur, Asansol, Kalyani, Howrah and Santiniketan.

As per reports, around Rs 11,000 crore will be required to set up the township. The state government has formed committees comprising senior officials and businessmen and the policy has been framed through discussions. 

Principal Secretary Debashis Sen said the policy was very transparent and hoped that it would help woo investors who would be attending the Bengal Global Business Summit, to be held between January 8 and 9 at Milan Mela ground in Kolkata. 

He added that global investment should be taken into consideration for setting up such townships. Many businessmen expressed satisfaction over the new policy. No new scheme is planned to acquire land from people.

According to the Township Policy, a township should be situated on more than 50 acres of land. As a land more than 24 acres cannot be owned by one person, a consortium can be formed to set up the township. 

Around 25 per cent area should be reserved for people coming from an economically-challenged background. Another 25 per cent should be reserved for economic job activities. 

Sen said it was found that in many countries including China, people had refused to move in despite construction of houses due to lack of economic activities.  

Under the new policy, every township will have a theme. For example, the theme of Baruipur Township will be wellness for elderly people. Some area will be reserved for leisure time for the residents.

The land will have to be procured through e-auction. By paying 10 per cent of the total amount, the land can be booked for one year. 

During this period, a promoter will have to obtain clearance from environment department, conduct soil test, prepare master plan and so on. 

The promoter may apply for extension for another year by paying 12 per cent interest. 

Infrastructure development and townships would be thrust areas during the Bengal Global Summit.