Japan shows interest in developing township in Gujarat

VADODARA: As a part of its Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, Gujarat Government has constituted a steering committee after Japan showed keen interest in setting up an ecotownship at Dahej, 100 kms from here.

This committee is headed by Sudeepkumar Nanda, Additional Chief Secretary to the state environment and forest ministry, sources told.

A delegation of Jetro Japan Development Institute met Chief Minister Narendra Modi in Gandhinagar on Wednesday in presence of Nanda, Industries Commissioner and Maheshwar Sahu, a senior official R Sharma from CM's office.

It was decided to go ahead with the ecotownship project in Dahej, where industrial waste from south Gujarat will be recycled and used in township construction.

Girish Luthra, an industrialist from South Gujarat is interested in taking up this Rs 2,500-cr-project, Nanda said. Overseas development assistance from Japan will be available for it, he said adding the steering committee will meet regularly.

The visit of Japanese delegation follows the meeting of Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama with Narendra Modi in Mumbai last month wherein the duo discussed various issues including partnership in shipbuilding, solar energy and renewable energy.