Pic: The pathetic condition of the Lokikere Industrial areas in Davanagere Davanagere: Small-scale industries in Davanagere’s Lokikere industrial area are facing severe operational challenges due to deteriorating infrastructure. The area suffers from damaged roads, blocked drains, dysfunctional street lighting, and uncontrolled vegetation growth. The Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board acquired over 100 acres in Lokikere, while Karnataka State Small Industries Development Corporation (KSSIDC) established a 19-acre estate in 1980. Although ownership transferred to the city council in 2003, industrialists report inadequate maintenance despite regular tax payments.The infrastructure deficiencies have created substantial operational difficulties, particularly affecting road conditions, drainage systems, lighting, and vegetation management. These issues are most pronounced in the Lokikere industrial zone. The KIADB’s acquisition of more than 100 acres at Lokikere aimed to support industrial development. KSSIDC’s 19-acre industrial estate, established in 1980, was designed to support small industries before its transfer to city council administration in 2003.The estate accommodates 48 industrial units specialising in pipe manufacturing, furniture production, and electronic equipment assembly, providing employment to thousands. Despite considerable tax contributions, the municipal corporation failed to maintain essential infrastructure, leading to widespread discontent. The drainage system deteriorated completely. Despite repeated requests for reconstruction, the municipal corporation remains unresponsive. Although water supply infrastructure exists, actual provision is absent, forcing industries to depend on water tankers.“The municipal corporation is not showing interest in providing infrastructure. Waste collection and drain cleanliness are also neglected. Rainwater has filled the drains with silt. People travelling at night have to move in darkness. Despite bringing this to the attention of municipal officials, nothing has changed,” said B Shambulingappa, president of the District Industrialists’ Association.The KIADB-developed Lokikere industrial zone faces similar difficulties. Internal roads show significant damage, with even minimal rainfall creating potholes that impede vehicle movement. Construction debris along roads hinders the transportation of materials and products.The Karur industrial zone, spanning 102 acres, hosts 207 industries focused on electrical equipment, engineering works, and garments. Whilst basic amenities are sufficient, the road near Global Public School requires repairs, and side roads present challenges. Several areas show excessive vegetation growth.The Karur industrial area, previously under KIADB control, was transferred to municipal corporation management in Nov 2024. Following this transition, property taxes increased substantially, causing distress among industrialists.“An industry with 1 acre of land was paying Rs10,000 annually to KIADB. Now, the same industry is estimated to pay Rs 1 lakh in property tax to the municipal corporation. The corporation’s notice to pay taxes from April 2024 angered industrialists. With the intervention of the district minister and the district commissioner, the property tax implementation was postponed to the 2025 financial year,” shared another industrialist.TOI attempted to contact Renuka, commissioner of Davanagere Municipal Corporation, but she was unavailable for comment.
