Zakura Industrial Estate craves for attention

Srinagar, Oct 30: Contrary to the government’s claims of pushing industrial development, the Zakura Industrial Estate in Srinagar is grappling with crumbling infrastructure and a lack of basic amenities, posing challenges for the industrialists operating in the area.

The industrial estate, spread over 128 kanals of land with 88 operational units, presents a sorry state of affairs. As one enters the premises, the first sight that greets visitors is a defunct weighing bridge, which remains shut due to lack of manpower.

The roads leading to the industrial units are in a dilapidated condition, riddled with potholes. The lavatory block has been closed due to a water leakage issue, leading to its decay. The ATM and cafeteria too have been non-functional for over a year.

Muhammad Rafiq, President of the Chamber of Industrial Entrepreneurs Zakura, expressed his disappointment with the official apathy towards the estate. “It is ironic that the Zakura Industrial Estate is facing such neglect. We have taken up the issue with the SICOP (Small Industries Corporation of Jammu and Kashmir), which manages this estate, but to no avail,” he said.

Rafiq further elaborated on the challenges faced by the industrialists. “Our roads are in terrible condition, the lavatory block is closed due to official neglect, and the common facility centre (CFC) and cafeteria are also defunct. The government speaks highly of industrial investment, but it has failed to provide even basic amenities to the industrial unit holders, which is unfortunate.”

The industrialists have repeatedly raised their concerns with the managing authorities, including the Managing Director of SICOP, but their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.

“We have taken up the issue of the estate with the SICOP officials numerous times, but nothing has been done so far,” Rafiq lamented.

The dire state of the Zakura Industrial Estate paints a grim picture, undermining the government’s claims of prioritising industrial development in the region. The lack of basic infrastructure and maintenance has created an environment that is not conducive for the growth and expansion of the industrial units, potentially deterring future investments.