Varanasi: District magistrate Satyendra Kumar on Tuesday reviewed industrial development and investment proposals during a meeting of the District Udyog Bandhu Committee and MoU Implementation Unit at the Collectorate auditorium.After hearing issues raised by investors and entrepreneurs, the District Magistrate directed officials of concerned departments to ensure their timely resolution and stressed the need for promoting industries through better coordination and administrative support.Deputy Commissioner of Industries informed the meeting that investment proposals worth Rs 21,922.12 crore have been received through 197 MoUs in the district so far. Of these, 96 projects have become fully operational, resulting in ground-level investment of Rs 5,241.54 crore, while work on 27 other projects is progressing.Officials also highlighted the performance of the Nivesh Mitra portal, stating that 137 of the 265 applications received during the 2026-27 financial year have been approved.The District Magistrate directed the Varanasi Development Authority, Fire Department, Revenue Department and other agencies to maintain close coordination with investors and ensure time-bound disposal of their issues. He also instructed the ARTO to remove parked and loading trucks from the Chandpur Industrial Estate and asked the Additional Municipal Commissioner to take action against illegal roadside vendors in industrial areas.Entrepreneurs attending the meeting appreciated the improving investment climate and administrative support in Varanasi. They sought regular police patrolling in industrial areas, removal of dried trees, clearance of a dilapidated post office building and steps for construction of a primary health centre.Taking note of the demands, the District Magistrate directed officials to address the issues promptly and ensure immediate disposal of pending cases on the Nivesh Mitra portal. He also instructed officials to initiate necessary action for development of a new industrial area in the district.The District Magistrate further directed the Industries Department to widely publicise government incentives, grants and schemes available for setting up industrial units. He urged investors and entrepreneurs to take advantage of the favourable business environment, speedy approvals and administrative support available in the district.
