Leather complex in the woods

The much awaited Calcutta Leather Complex (CLC) may finally start functioning from this month, state industry minister Nirupam Sen said at the closing ceremony of the Kolkata Shoe Fair.

A 'few' tanneries could start production. The CLC was a non-starter though 550 city-based tanners were asked to shift to the new facility on environmental grounds. Relocation was delayed.

Asked if the government was considering steps to chastise units refusing to move, Sen said it was looking at all options. Calcutta Leather Complex, along with the proposed rubber park in Howrah, was expected to boost industry.

"Kolkata pioneered shoe building but other cities have overtaken it. Industry needs to invest in technology for modernisation.

The support system will come from the improved infrastructure by the way of two parks," Nirupam Sen said.

The minster assured support for the fair next year and asked industry to set up a training institute for workers.