Host of problems push industries out of Pilerne

When it was established in 1992, the Pilerne Industrial Estate (PIE) was considered one of the most attractive industrial estates in the State, with a lot of promises made to companies setting up factories in the premises.

Now, the PIE is plagued with such a long list of problems, that it is not surprising that nearly one-third of its 110 plots are lying idle with no takers.

Though the 73 plots spread across 4.9 lakh sq mtrs in the PIE provide employment to nearly 8,000 people, information with Goa Industrial Development Corporation reveals that 37 other plots in PIE are still vacant. And of the 73 units, 20 of them deal with marble and granite business. The Pilerne Industries Association (PIA) had strongly opposed the allotment of plots to marble and granite factories, but their objections were ignored.

Besides the marble and granite units, other industries at the PIE include pharmaceuticals, diamond-studded gold jewellery, optical lenses, perfumes, packaging material, fibre glass products, modular furniture, readymade garments, bakery products, spices and ice creams.

Speaking on condition of anonymity to avoid getting targeted, PIA members revealed a long list of problems affecting the PIE.

“Due to poor infrastructural facilities, these industrial units are facing a number of hardships, particularly with respect to power and water supply. The water pipeline, which was laid almost 23 years ago, needs to be changed to meet the water demand of the industries,” said the member.

“The industrial units receive water supply for barely about two hours a day, which is not sufficient for industrial purposes. All industrial units are compelled to procure water from private parties at exorbitant costs. For example, one healthcare unit needs 20 water tankers per day, despite having a tube well.”

“Power supply is another problem. The electricity supply lines are very vulnerable. Power failures and voltage fluctuations are frequent and at times, voltage fluctuates from 180 to 400 KV. Some industrial units have got modern sophisticated electronic equipments which require constant voltage. Heavy fluctuations end up damaging costly equipment,” the member added.

Another member also complained about the poorly maintained canteen in the industrial estate. Though the contractor pays a monthly rent of over Rs 20,000, the maintenance of the canteen by Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) is virtually non-existent.

“The GIDC office at the industrial estate is no better either. This office does not even have the names of office-bearers of PIA. The staff claims that everything is fine in the industrial estate and they have practically no work,” the member added.

“Road access is another major issue. Existing roads via Saligao and Verem-Pilerne are very narrow and transporters refuse to come to the industrial estate. There is a need to construct a by-pass road from Sangolda (Gautam Hotel) to the industrial estate on priority basis,” said the member.

“There are no street lights and though they have been sanctioned by GIDC, the electricity Department is yet to install them. There is not even a linesman to attend to calls. A high mast erected in the industrial estate amid much fanfare five years ago is virtually useless as almost all lamps have disappeared.”

Another PIA member complained that lack of designated parking facilities in the industrial estate have left trucks are parked along the main road and secondary roads, causing traffic congestion.

“There is no fencing in the industrial area and herds of cattle stray into the industrial estate. They squat on the main roads and block the movement of trucks, besides littering the roads with dung,” added the member.

The absence of a bank or ATM facilities has also caused hardship to industries in the estate.

“Our Association has made several representations to all government departments, but all our pleas in vain,” lamented the member.