PANJIM: Talking tough on the Zuari Agro Chemicals decision to close down its factory in Sancoale, Industries Minister Vishwajit Rane made a categorical statement that he would urge the government to take back the 1000-acre land from the company.
Speaking to reporters at the secretariat, Rane said that he has no knowledge on Zuari Agro Chemicals closure as nothing is come in writing to the government.
“It will be a major setback to us as loss of jobs would be there, I am going to find out what is going on,” he said.
The industries minister said that when Bhausaheb Bandodkar was chief minister, the State had given them 1000-acre land to set up industry.
“We had given them 1000 acres of land for industry. I think if they are closing down the industry they should return the land back to Goa government. The land was not given to close industry and go and use it for real estate. We can use that land for some other purpose of industry,” Rane stated.
He said he is confident that the chief minister will take a right decision.
“If they are closing down, government should promulgate an ordinance and take the land back,” he said.
Promoted in 1967 in Goa, Zuari Agro Chemicals Limited is one of the leading fertilizer conglomerates in India.
However, the company said that the NPK Plant has been shut down due to non availability of raw material.
