May 29th 2024.
In Berhampur, a district in India, it has been reported that over five lakh residents have migrated to other areas in the last few decades due to the lack of industrial development. This issue has been a major concern for the locals, who have pointed out that both the Centre and the state governments are to blame for this mass exodus. Despite being under the rule of various political parties, the district has not seen any progress and the promises made during election campaigns have remained unfulfilled.
The main source of income for the residents of Berhampur is agriculture, but unfortunately, the governments have failed to establish any agriculture-based industries in the district. Despite having the necessary infrastructure and resources, no steps have been taken in the last 50 years to develop such industries. The Aska cooperative sugar mill, which was built during the British era, is now in a state of disrepair and is in urgent need of revival. Similarly, a cooperative cotton mill that was once operational has now been shut down.
During elections, political parties often blame each other for the lack of industrialization and make promises to revive the sick industries. However, once they are elected, these promises are forgotten, leaving the locals disappointed and without any job opportunities. The Indian Rare Earths Ltd, which is owned by the Centre, was set up near the district headquarters of Chhatrapur, but it is not functioning efficiently, according to sources. The port at Gopalpur, which has the potential to boost economic growth in the district, has also not been developed into an all-weather port by the Centre and the state government.
In the past, there were plans to set up a wagon factory in Sitalapalli, near Berhampur, which would have provided employment opportunities to thousands of people. However, these plans were cancelled when the NDA government came into power in 2014, leaving many job hopefuls disappointed. There was also a proposal to construct a new rail route from Gopalpur to Rayagada district, which would have connected many tribal-dominated villages and boosted industrial growth. Unfortunately, the project has been stuck in the survey stage for the past 15 years, despite the Union Finance Commission preparing a plan outlay for it.
The lack of industrial growth in Berhampur is not only affecting the economy of the district but also the livelihoods of the locals. Had the governments taken necessary steps to develop industrial infrastructure, it would have not only provided employment opportunities but also facilitated the growth of existing industries like Nalco. The district is in urgent need of industrial development to prevent further migration and to improve the economic condition of its residents.
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