Rohit Pawar Targets Maha Govt Over Chakan's Industrial Woes

Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP) MLA Rohit Pawar has targeted the Maharashtra government over the alleged exodus of industries from Chakan. He claimed that poor infrastructure, traffic congestion, and lack of coordination among government agencies are affecting investment and local employment.

Pawar visited the Chakan industrial area on Friday and inspected the roads and surrounding infrastructure. His visit came days after reports that around 20 companies were planning to leave the industrial belt over infrastructure-related problems and shift to Satara district.

Speaking to the media during his visit, Pawar said companies were facing problems with roads, traffic, garbage, and basic infrastructure in and around Chakan MIDC. He highlighted the poor condition of the approach road to Chakan MIDC, which has many potholes and mud, affecting truck movement.

Pawar also claimed that temporary road repairs were carried out before his visit. He questioned why companies that had established themselves in Chakan before 2014 were continuing to face basic infrastructure problems.

Chakan MIDC was established in the early 1990s and attracted major companies such as Bajaj, Tata, Mahindra, and Mercedes-Benz. These anchor companies later brought several ancillary units to the region, creating large-scale employment. However, Pawar claimed that no new companies have arrived in Chakan since 2014, and existing companies are starting to leave.

Pawar attributed this to the better infrastructure and facilities offered by other states, such as Gujarat. He said one company that had already established a plant in Chakan decided to set up its second plant outside Maharashtra.

The issue of poor infrastructure in Chakan is not new. Every monsoon, the same story repeats itself, with flooded highways, closed industries, and stranded workers. Locals have warned about encroachments for years, but the problem remains unsolved.

Pawar criticised the state government's handling of concerns related to Chakan's industrial woes. He said that the government's lack of coordination and poor infrastructure are driving companies away from the state.

The exodus of industries from Chakan has significant implications for the local economy and employment. If the issue is not addressed, it could lead to further economic decline and unemployment in the region.

In conclusion, the alleged exodus of industries from Chakan is a matter of concern for the Maharashtra government. The government needs to take immediate action to address the infrastructure-related problems and improve the business environment in the state to prevent further decline.