Howrah-Once called `Birmingham of
the East' - is a sprawling industrial belt with cluster of big, medium
and small scale industries, such as , Jute, Engineering, Foundries, Rolling
Mills etc. But in the wake of new economic and technical developments with
automation and computerisation, Howrah could not maintain its old supremacy
although it has got a vast potential base of skilled work men and far-sighted
entrepreneurs. At the same time the lack of infrastructural facilities
also handicap Howrah's industries and drag them behind.
It had a well established cottage
industry which dated back to the 13th century. The traditional cottage
industries included potteries, brass utensils, iron and silver smithies
and weaving of coarse cloth. Among other notable cottage industry products
Were `hooka' made from coconut shell, zari, chikan, iron and brass padlocs,
polo balls made from bamboo stumps, football and badminton shuttle-cocks.
Howrah is a pioneer in many large
industries too. The earliest to appear on the scene were the dockyards
for ship-repairing. Prior to dockyards, ropery was another
thriving industry of this region. The jute industry in Howrah assumed to
be the topmost position in the country. Besides, cotton and jute mills
a number of flour and oil mills came up by the middle of the 19th century.
Also other large scale industries, such as, paints, aluminium, iron foundries
and some engineering works were established in this region. With the opening
up of the Railways in 1854 by the East India Railway company and the establishment
of the Howrah Railway station the vistas of opportunities widened for the
industries of Howrah enabling them to procure raw materials from states
like Bihar, Orissa, UP etc. and delivering their finished products to the
consumers scattered all over the country. The Railways also paved the way
for the migration of many hard working men from the neighbouring states
of Bihar, Orissa and even from distant UP and M.P. as employment opportunities
were rising in Howrah. Initially Howrah and after that Vivekananda and
Vidyasagar Setu provided the vital trade link with Calcutta.
Commencement of the Five-year plans
in 1950, policy of import substitution and a few other factors gave further
momentum to industrial growth in Howrah. Many new industries, such as,
razor blades, Umbrellas, rubber footwear, storage batteries, plastics came
on to the scene. But small industries of Howrah had in the recent past
fallen on evil days. some old industries have already died and some have
fallen sick. At the same time, many new industries have also come up to
meet the new demands. At present, Basic Metal, Engineering scientific and
Industrial chemicals, Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, Textiles, Food Processing,
Glass etc. medium and large industries are active in the Howrah district.
Adjacently, the recent changes has seen an encouraging response in the
State Government. Not only are new industrial policies being framed, but
private collaborations and joint ventures are also being welcomed, as well
as due to stable power situation, infrastructural development and pragmatic
approach to lure investment, Howrah also regain its past glory as a premier
industrial centre of the country. so we should come forward to join hands
in giving a new life, a better atmosphere for prosperous and glorious Howrah. |