Chandigarh is facing a severe industrial crisis as businesses continue to flee the city in alarming numbers, prompting former Union Minister Pawan Bansal to urgently appeal to Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Banwarilal Purohit for immediate intervention.
The Growing Exodus
In a strongly-worded memorandum, Bansal highlighted the disturbing trend of industries relocating from Chandigarh to neighboring states and peripheral areas. The city, once considered an industrial hub in the region, is now witnessing a steady drain of manufacturing units and businesses.
Root Causes Behind the Flight
The industrial exodus stems from multiple critical issues that have made operating in Chandigarh increasingly challenging:
- Skyrocketing Costs: Escalating land prices and operational expenses
- Infrastructure Limitations: Inadequate facilities and space constraints
- Policy Challenges: Regulatory hurdles affecting business growth
- Competition from Neighbors: Better incentives in surrounding states
Urgent Appeal to Administration
Bansal emphasized the critical need for the UT administration to implement strategic measures to reverse this damaging trend. He stressed that without immediate action, Chandigarh risks losing its industrial base entirely, which would have severe consequences for employment and economic growth in the region.
Economic Implications
The continuous departure of industries threatens to create a significant economic vacuum in Chandigarh. The city could face:
- Substantial job losses across sectors
- Reduced economic diversity and resilience
- Decreased revenue generation for development projects
- Loss of skilled workforce to other regions
The situation demands immediate attention from policymakers and administrators alike to preserve Chandigarh's industrial ecosystem and prevent further economic deterioration.
