An umbrella organisation of intellectuals, NGOs, political party members and common people, Forum for Ganjam in a letter to the Chief Secretary on Tuesday requested him to expedite the industrialiation process in Ganjam district to create more job opportunities.

The forum stated that Ganjam district has no major industry as a result lakhs of workers are forced to migrate to outside the State in search of employment opportunities. The Tata Group of Companies has acquired 3,200 acre of irrigated land near Brahmapur for setting up a steel plant for around two decades.

But, except for a small ferro chrome plant which can employ a meagre hundred workers and which is yet to be operational, nothing has been done on the said land, the forum stated.

The forum further stated Gopalpur is one of the oldest sea ports of India and is adjoining to the land acquired by Tata. Two National Highways, NH-16 and NH-59 South Eastern Railway line pass through the said land. Further one of the oldest air strips of India built during World War II is close to the land acquired by the said company.

If the land which is left unused for around two decades can be used to establish industries it will help in realising the dream ‘Make in Odisha’ of the Chief Minister, said the forum.

Ganjam is best suited for tourism industry. Gopalpur sea beach is one of the most beautiful sea beaches in India and used to attract hordes of overseas tourists, especially the Russians.

Gopalpur can be developed as one of the centres of tourism industry in eastern India. It is surrounded by  many places of heritage like Ashokan rock edict of Jaugada and Biranchi Narayan Temple of Buguda.

Besides, Ganjam has a very long sea coast. Cargoes of seafood are transported to different parts of India every week. In addition, pulse based food products like famous Berhampuri papad are produced in a very large scale in Ganjam. Ganjam can make an ideal place for food

processing industry, the forum stated.

Majority of the work force of the textile industry of Surat in Gujarat is manned by the skilled weavers of Ganjam. Brahmapur itself is called Silk City for the excellent weaving culture. Ganjam is best suited for the textile and apparel industry. Ganjam may be projected as the best destination of the investors in textile and apparel industry,