JHENIDAH. Sept 8: Indu-atrial estate of Bangladesh SmaU and Cottage Industries t orpocatton (BSCIC) -has not been established at Magura even alia taking decision by the authorities in 1987 it

According lo a source, ruuuber at small industries in Magura district is about 3.075 which includes bee nearing, chlra or muri preparation, sweetmeats, block and batick. rmiiroi derirf quilt stitching, fishing Met weaving, tailoring, quilt making cane and bamboo work and others

In 1993 Magura purasabha was dadared as class one and the pours authorities had taken an ambitious plan to keep the town newt and clean But this plan could not be successful due to teary rush of small industries which have been growing in

the town here and there, by both sides of Dhaka-Khulna highway and other places without proper plan. Many times some engineering workshops by the roadsides create hazards as they are compelled to run their ac tivtties even sometimes on the roads.

fi was gathered that the autlioriiies of BSCIC decided to set up an industrial estate in 1987 and a site was selected on 13 62 acres of land m Magura pouraeabha area But still the acquisition of land was not completed, ft was learnt.

According to a statistics, out of total number of 3.075 small industries. 150 were registered so far. This year two dairy farms were started at village Kukno under Magura pouraaabha and at village Nischchintapur in

sadar thana of the district where Taka three lakh was sanctioned. sources said

Fifty farmers were trained for cultivating honey in the district last year of them at least 45 are engaged with the same. They produce at least 400 kilograms of honey yearly through their 40 honey producing boxes. M was learnt In last year Taka 1 96.000 was given among 50 entrepreneurs against cottage industries and Taka 4.18.000 was given to 16 entrepreneurs for small industries. sources informed.

In last year sources said entrepreneurs development tratiung was given to 66 per sgli 12 small Industries and 26* rottage Industries was re^atered BS< IC authorities studied 12 seek Industries This year they had prepared project profile for 10 Indus

tries and three of them were completed so far, sources said Further 30 small, and 67 cottage Industries project appraisal was done so far.

Magura Is an important district headquarters from where road communication with Khulna. Barisal. Dhaka. Chittagong and other impor tant places is easily available But the BSCIC authorities is reportedly not showing their interest to set up an industry estate at Magura for an unknown cause

When contacted some entrepreneurs who have been watting hoping for BSCIC In dustrial estate at Magura ex pressed their deep sorrow that they have appealed to die authorities to set up the Industrial estate but in vain

They further urged the au thorttles to take necessary steps for the prosperous industries here at no delay