Zakura Industrial Estate yearns to attract attention

By Sandy Verma On Oct 31, 2024

�Srinagar��श्रीनगर: Contrary to government claims of promoting industrial development, the Zakura Industrial Estate in Srinagar suffers from dilapidated infrastructure and lack of basic amenities, posing challenges for industrialists operating in the area. Spread over 128 kanals of land, this industrial estate has 88 operational units, which are in a deplorable condition. Upon entering the complex, the first thing visitors get a glimpse of is a defunct weigh bridge, which remains closed due to lack of manpower. The roads leading to the industrial units are in bad condition, full of potholes.

The toilet block has been closed due to water leakage problem, which has caused it to deteriorate. ATMs and cafeterias have also remained closed for more than a year. Muhammad Rafiq, president of the Chamber of Industrial Entrepreneurs Jakura, expressed his disappointment at the official indifference towards the estate. “It is ironic that the Jakura Industrial Estate is facing so much neglect. We have addressed this issue
SICK (Small Industries Corporation of Jammu and Kashmir), which manages this estate, but to no avail,” he said.

Rafiq explained in detail about the challenges faced by industrialists. “Our roads are in a very bad condition, toilet blocks are closed due to official neglect, and the Common Facility Center (CFC) and cafeteria are also closed. The government greatly appreciates industrial investment, but it has failed to provide even basic facilities to industrial unit holders, which is unfortunate.”

The industrialists have repeatedly raised their concerns with the managing authorities, including the Managing Director of SICOP, but no heed has been paid to their pleas. Rafiq lamented, “We have raised the issue of the estate several times with the SICOP authorities. “It has been raised, but nothing has been done yet.” The dire state of the Jakura Industrial Estate paints a grim picture, undermining the government's claims of prioritizing industrial development in the area. Lack of infrastructure and maintenance has created an environment that is not conducive to the growth and expansion of industrial units, which may hinder future investment.