Nearly eight years after land was allotted to entrepreneurs in Musabani block, the much-promised industrial hub remains a picture of neglect. Despite 218.62 acres of land allotted by JIADA and a grand bhoomi pujan in February 2023 for 18 industrial units with a combined investment of Rs 242 crore, not a single factory has started production. The biggest roadblock, officials admit, has been the absence of a functional power grid.
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Rs 12 Crore Paid, Grid Still Delayed
JIADA had deposited Rs 12 crores with JBVNL nearly seven years ago to build a dedicated power grid for the area. However, construction did not begin until recently. Without assured power supply, entrepreneurs have been unwilling to invest further in setting up plants. Local residents and workers have begun questioning why the grid was delayed when funds were available for so long.
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Idle Land and Lost Opportunity
At present, only an ethanol plant structure stands on the site, the juice factory has shut down, and a brick-making unit runs partially. Reports indicate some allottees have used the land to raise bank loans or for private business ventures, defeating the original purpose of the allotment.
Work Finally Starts, Six-Month Timeline Set
JBVNL General Manager Ajit Kumar confirmed that work on the power grid has now begun and will take at least six months to complete. Investors believe once the grid is commissioned, electricity supply to 66 industries in the region will be ensured, paving the way for long-delayed production activity and job creation for nearly 5,000 people.
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