Chief Secretary visits Kathua Industrial Estates, pledges infrastructure enhancement

Kathua, Feb 1: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, Saturday visited the Industrial Estates Kathua, including Ghatti and Bhagthali.
He was accompanied by a team of senior officials including Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Vikramjeet Singh; MD, JPDCL, Mohd. Yasin Choudhary; Director, Industries and Commerce, Jammu, Arun Manhas; Managing Director, SIDCO/SICOP Inderjeet; Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rakesh Minhas; SSP Kathua, Shobhit Saxena; ADC Kathua, Ranjit Singh and GM DIC among others.
During the visit, the Chief Secretary inspected various industrial units, including Devyani Food Industries Pvt. Ltd., an ice-cream manufacturing plant and Varun Bevergies Ltd. at Ghatti. He interacted with the officials of the industries and enquired about the facilities they are being extended in the units besides assessing the challenges faced by them.
Atal Dulloo also visited the Kandhari Global Beverages Pvt. Ltd. at Bhagthali, where he was briefed by the officials about the plant and its functioning.
While briefing the media, the Chief Secretary highlighted the key features of Jammu and Kashmir Industrial Policy, which aims to provide a conducive environment for industrial growth in J&K. He emphasized that the policy is part of Rs. 28,400 crore package from Government of India to attract Industries in JK UT besides generating employment opportunities and boost the local economy.
The Chief Secretary stressed that the government is committed towards providing all necessary support to the industries including incentives, infrastructure and single-window clearances.
Atal Dulloo also emphasised the importance of environmental sustainability in industrial development. He directed the industries to adhere to environmental laws and norms and adopt eco-friendly practices in their operations. The government, he assured, will provide all necessary support to the industries to ensure that they comply with environmental regulations.
Later, the Chief Secretary chaired the meeting with Industrialists Ghatti, Kathua and Bhagthali Industrial Estates at DC Office complex.
The meeting held detailed deliberations on the present status of infrastructure and facilities in these estates besides underlining the issues to be taken up on priority to facilitate Industries in the region.