MIDC is looking for acquiring huge tracts of land for its various projects

At a time when demand for industrial land is declining due to the financial slowdown, the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) is looking for acquiring huge tracts of land for its various projects.

“We are taking the opportunity of the economic slowdown to sharpen our land acquisition policy. It will be more inclusive and pro-farmer,” an official from MIDC said.

The official admitted that there is a 50 per cent fall in enquiries for setting up new units in the state, given the global economic recession. The official said improving infrastructure like power availability, roads, effluent treatment plants were high on the priority list.

Land acquisition, however, is still going on, with the MIDC currently negotiating for 1,400 hectares at Chakan near Pune. This includes land for MIDC-Bharat Forge SEZ. Meanwhile, the payment process is on for the 600 acres of land it acquired at Jalna.