Leather goods park in limbo

01/09/2004

The leather goods park plan in Calcutta that is to incorporate a design studio within Calcutta Leather Complex is currently undergoing difficulties due to a money-inspired argument. The investment is funded with governmental money and executed by Integrated Development Fund.

 

Leather goods manufacturers have offered to buy plots at Rs 1,300/m², yet the BOT builder, M L Dalmiya % Co., has refused to scale down prices below Rs 1,760/m². The manufacturers have asked to build outside CLC but to no avail.

 

The two sides have been advised by the government to reach a compromise but, because of the tight deadline of 30 September for public money acquisition and several formal requirements, the imbroglio could delay the process enough to threaten the entire project.

 

Similar studio projects are being created in Agra, Ambur and Nellore.