Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 2
The Nagaland State Mineral Development Corporation Limited (NSMDC), a Government of Nagaland undertaking, stated that the rate of growth of the state GDP is indicative of the degree of development especially in the industrialization of the state. “Unfortunately Nagaland has not made much headway in industrialization and still remains industrially backward even after 50 years of statehood,” according to the annual progress report 2012-13 of NSMDC tabled in the last assembly session. In the form of strategies for the 12th five year plan, the report stated that Nagaland lags behind so many younger states as far as industrialization is concerned.
“Some of the factors of its backwardness in industrialization may be location disadvantage, lack of important infrastructures such as railways, roads and power,” the report said adding that due importance not given to the industrial sector, especially in the mineral based industries inspite of the Government’s recognition of its importance.
The report said Nagaland is endowed with rich minerals with potential to set up mineral based industries. The mineral industry is considered to be the backbone of all other industries as it provides the basic raw materials for all other industries. Despite this, the report said, Nagaland remains industrially backward. “It is high time that due importance is given to the mineral sector which will automatically lead to the establishment of other industries in the state. Development of mineral based industries means development of rural areas and also creation of job opportunities for the rural people. Rural people can enjoy the fruits of development and their economy can be uplifted,” the report stated adding thus the mineral based industries create maximum benefits to the under privileged people in the rural areas.
The Central government and the Nagaland State government may therefore consider giving topmost priority to mineral based industries in the 12th five year plan (which otherwise hitherto remains secondary), the report said.
During the 12th Five Year Plan, the NSMDC proposes to take up the mineral development activities as well as to continue the existing projects, viz; promotional and facilitating activities- identification of viable mineral based industries, preparation of PFR, DPR etc., guiding and financing of tiny scale mineral industries, infrastructure development- mineral link roads (Preparation of DRP and implementation), mineral industry growth centre (DPR and implementation), benefit maximization schemes— under this scheme, NSMDC proposed to upgrade the two units of decorative and dimensional stone plants at Chumukedima and at Wazeho.
Capacities of existing machineries will be increased, additional mining machinery will be produced and more dumper trucks added. In the form of new projects, there will be establishment of a mega cement plant based on the Nimi Limestone deposits, either by private company alone or joint venture with NSMDC, establishment of Lime Burning Plants and other lime based industries such as calcium carbide and bleaching powder, setting up of white cement plant based on high grade limestone available in the state, setting up of bigger plant of stone working plants using modernized machine such as GANG-SAW based on the Grey/Black/White marbles and Grey Granite, development of mine and setting up of processing plant for the Magnetite Deposit having Nickel, Cobalt and Chromium at Pokphur, Kiphire district, to take up joint venture in exploration as well as production of oil and natural gas and to take up housing scheme at Lerie, Kohima as revenue earning scheme.
