Surat gets a berth in textile cluster plan

The textile committee has recommended inclusion of Surat in the textile cluster development programme. The recommendation has been accepted by the Union textile ministry.

The textile committee, comprising experts from the industry, was formed to suggest measures to develop the sector.

The ministry and the committee have jointly formed an integrated plan for development of infrastructure for textile cluster.

Tirupur in Tamil Nadu was selected as the first centre for the textile cluster development project.

A survey of manufacturing units, connected with the textile industry, was conducted by the Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Ltd (IL & FS).

The survey has been completed and a definite plan charted out for development of the Tirupur textile industry.

Tirupur industries are contributing Rs 10 crore to the project, while the Tamil Nadu government and the central government contribute Rs 100 crore.

Efforts are also on to raise Rs 1,000 crore from various financial institutions for the project.

Solapur, Ludhiana, Panipat and Karoor have also been selected for this programme.

Haresh Saraiya, a member of the textile committee, said, "The survey by IL & FS will commence in Surat shortly. It will cover over six lakh powerlooms, over 700 texturising units, 400 processing houses and over 1,500 jari units in Surat."

Saraiya said, "The survey will cost Rs 38 lakh and take around six to eight weeks to complete. The aim is to prepare a feasibility report for the project. Good infrastructure is of utmost importance for development of trade and industry. The survey will find out the city lacks and what steps need to be taken to fill the gap."

Saraiya said, "A convention centre, a common effluent treatment plant and a captive energy plant, which will ensure constant power supply, are the primary requirements for Surat. These need to be set up on a priority basis and as early as possible. The other requirements will be known once the survey is completed."

The textile cluster development project in Surat will cost around Rs 1,000 crore.