BERHAMPUR: The granite cluster in Ganjam district, largest in the country in terms of production capacity, is staring at an uncertain future. With an annual capacity to produce 7,61,900 square feet of processed granite, the cluster is bogged down by red tape for availing of raw materials, among other reasons. Decadence of the industry came to the fore after around 20 of the 36 granite processing units shut shop recently citing non-availability of raw material. “Raw material is available aplenty in the State, but it could not be mined due to delay in paper work by the Mining Department,” said one of the entrepreneurs here adding that the process of leasing out mines has been put on hold after sleuths nabbed several senior Government officials following the mining scam. Sources said while 13 applications for renewal of mining lease await approval, 40 applicants have been awarded Prospective Licence (PL).The situation has been further aggravated with an exodus of prospective promoters to the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, especially Srikakulum. Similar situation prevails at Koraput, Jeypore, Titilagarh, Khurda and Balangir districts. Current players are apprehensive about the future of the ` 100-crore granite industry in the State. A senior Mining Department official admitted that fresh mining licences have not been issued over the last few months. Verification of the lease applications is underway, he said. However, he denied any shortage of raw materials.
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