A 'collapsed' town in search of industry

It is the last town at the western end of India. According to government documents, it probably derives its name from trade, which generated a daily income of one lakh (1,00,000) Kori, the old currency of the Kutch state.

Lakhpat was probably a busy sea port near the mouth of the Indus. Then, the Indus changed its course and the Rann of Kutch engulfed the sea route and pushed the Arabian Sea a few kilometres back. That's how Lakhpat won "" and lost "" its place in history.

Today, the town is struggling to regain its old glory. Under Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Gujarat is a showcase investment destination. But the flow of capital has fled the town, which is united in one appeal to Modi: Bring back our lost glory.

A new cement factory is the beginning. Deepak Cement and Chemicals Pvt Ltd is setting up a factory in an area that has witnessed only exodus of resources since Independence.

The new cement factory has already employed some locals as construction labourers. The villagers, eager to clinch this opportunity, want more and have already met the factory authorities with the demand of employing more people from the area.

"Initially they told us we need skilled and educated people to work in the factory. But we told them you will also need guards and people for other odd jobs. They assured us that they will consider our case," said a delighted village head, Ramzan Soda, who is keeping his fingers crossed.

"We have heard that another cement factory will come up near our village. That's another good news," says Hasan Suleiman at a small tea-stall.

Lakhpat collapsed almost totally after 1947. "Most of our friends left for Mumbai or Pakistan. Business here died, so they all went out to look for opportunities," said Soda.

People like Alana Jamuaa didn't have resources and were forced to stay back. "We are mainly involved in fishing. Apart from this, there's agriculture," says Jamuaa.

Once a thriving town with a population of 15,000 has now just 100 families. There's only a primary school. For secondary education or beyond, one has to travel almost 20 kms to Dayapur, the reason why just three boys have enrolled in the college at present.

Most of the town has vanished. The trade route is impossible to regain but being a border area, the road connection is now good and there are a few coal mines in the vicinity.