Bengaluru
Industries Minister MB Patil’s mission to attract foreign investors in America comes against the backdrop of mounting challenges faced by existing foreign-backed projects in the state. One such project, Honnavara Port Private Limited (HPPL), has grappled with a decade-long struggle to realize its port project, plagued by hostile politics driven by vested interests. For over a year, project engineers have been unable to bring machinery to the site, and confrontations, including incidents of stone pelting, have erupted when attempts were made to advance the project. Some parties, masquerading as environmentalists, launched multiple programs aimed at halting the project. However, the National Green Tribunal, in a ruling dated September 26, sided with HPPL’s argument, a decision further upheld by the Karnataka High Court on November 24, 2021. Following these two court orders, HPPL’s Executive Director, Raghavendra Reddy, has appealed to the district administration for support in resuming construction work. In response, Minister for Environment and Forests, Ishwar Khanjre, assured that the state values every investment and is committed to safeguarding the interests of investors. J Krasta, former F KCCI, emphasized Karnataka’s position as the second-highest GST contributor and called for the expansion of ports in the state. He noted that most merchandise trade from North India currently gravitates toward Gujarat or Mumbai, while the South relies on Tuticorin or Chennai. Krasta stressed the need to upgrade Karnataka’s ports to meet international standards. Meanwhile, Minister Mankala Vaidya acknowledged the importance of proper planning from the project’s inception to avoid the current challenges. He pledged to investigate the matter and work towards its resolution, emphasizing the state’s commitment to fostering a favorable environment for investments and development. The struggles of foreign investors in Karnataka highlight the imperative for efficient project management and conducive policies to ensure the success and growth of such ventures in the state.
