The Delhi State Industrial Development Corporation (DSIDC) has, over the years, grown into a major body looking after the interests of the small-scale units in the Capital. Following the Supreme Court directive for shifting of industrial units from residential areas on account of pollution, the role of DSIDC has become very important. The relocation of these units in the fast-developing Bawana area is a challenge for the Corporation. The new Chairman of the DSIDC, Hasan Ahmed, who has been a reputed local Congress leader for over three decades, spoke to The DayAfter in detail about his vision for a better, less-polluted capital and plans for the mega industrial city at Bawana.

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: What is the progress of work at Bawana and how soon will the entire area be developed enough for so many units to shift into it?

A: This is one of the biggest projects ever undertaken by the DSIDC. As you know, at the moment, Delhi has many areas with hundreds of polluting units in the residential areas. After the Supreme Court order on relocating these units, we had to work fast for resettling them in a new area, which has to be self-contained in all respects. Thus, priority is being given to laying of roads, power and water supply. Already, nearly 600 people have taken possession of plots. And over 6,000 have paid money, while 14,000 plots are left to be allotted.

Q: Are you taking care that the area does not end up as an industrial slum, with haphazard growth of units causing congestion as one can see in Narela, Naraina and Okhla?

A: We were fully aware of the danger of overcrowding. Around 250 acres of the area is being earmarked for greenery like parks and trees. To make the area visually attractive for all people, we propose to have cycle tracks, restaurants, food stalls, besides other facilities like hospitals, fire brigade, etc. What I would like is that the industrial belt should become a sort of tourist attraction and not an eyesore.

Q: As the area may not be quickly accessible for workers living in other localities of the Capital, do you propose to have any special schemes?

A: Yes. We have kept that in mind. In fact, there will be one-room apartments for labour which the factories can utilise for a lease. This will prevent the possible mushrooming of jhuggis alongside the factories. There can be dormitories to accommodate workers and even different floors that can house senior staff. We are also approaching the Lt, Governor for plots on DDA land which can be bought by the industrialists for constructing their dwellings so as to be near their units. The concept will be "no profit, no loss." A 6-lane flyover and the Metro rail link will make commuting to Bawana fast and hassle-free.

Q: Will the plots be priced in such a way that even small-scale units can settle down without much of a financial burden? There’s some reluctance on the part of owners who fear they will have to face losses if they leave a financially well-settled area.

A: There are plots of different sizes to suit different needs. Besides, arrangements are being made for easy loans to the factory owners. The idea is not to uproot them but offer them better opportunities. As the plots are being taken up fast, those left behind will end up paying more later. The relocation has to be done, there’s no escape from it. So, the earlier the owners of units opt for the plots, it is good for them. Besides, Bawana will mean more job opportunities for workers. As the stated polity of the Congress is uplift of the poorer sections of society, all attempts are being made to minimise the problems of the people.

Q: What are your plans for expanding the revenue-earning liquor trade?