Karnataka clears first private SEZ

Karnataka Cabinet has cleared the state’s first private multi-purpose Special Economic Zone(SEZ) at Nandagudi at Hoskote about 55 kms fromBangalore.

The Cabinet has decided to allow a Mumbai-based infrastructure company to purchase 12,350 acres of land for the SEZ that will house not only business houses, but also housing and leisure activities.

The proposed multi-purpose SEZ, to be set up at whopping Rs 150 billion by SKIL Infrastructure Limited, will be the first in Karnataka, where the promoter has to purchase land directly from the farmers after negotiating with them.

“The Government is not going to do land acquisition ormake any promises for water and power supply to them.They have to make their own arrangements. We are, however, willing to sell about 4,000 acres ofGovernment land to them at market rates”, said Karantaka’s Primary and Secondary Education MinisterBasavaraj Horatti while briefing reporters about theCabinet decision.

The SEZ is coming up on a total of 12,350 acres ofland at Nandigudi, which is about 30 kms away from the upcoming international airport at Devanahalli and about 55 kms from Bangalore.

Horatti said the private entrepreneur setting up theSEZ at Nandigudi will now have to take the project toNew Delhi for all the clearances from the Federal Government. “Karnataka Government will however give ano-objection to it”, Horatti said.