The Calcutta Leather complex (CLC) is now the definite 'first address' of destination West Bengal'. Leather and allied operations are on the threshold of immediate boom, with majority of relocating and new tanneries are actively involved in production. The CLC-World Eco Technology Park spread over a sprawling 1100 acres is certainly numero uno. Meticulously planned and executed, CLC now leads the resurgence of the leather industry in West Bengal and also provides a unique platform of significant growth, operational economy and sustenance of the leather sector for the rest of the country.

Tanneries Ready For Production

2nd 33/11 KV Substation

CLC is the world's largest integrated leather complex with the most economical infrastructural cost. lt is one of the foremost eco friendly and planned complexes in the country, which provides the most secure and safe platform for sustainable growth of leather and allied industries. Just 14 kms from the Science City on the recently upgraded four- lane Kolkata-Basanti Highway, CLC is convenient to reach by 25-minutes drive from the city's business hub. lt has the minimum operational cost compared to other states. Customised as per international standard for the leather and allied industries, the infrastructure in CLC takes a new dimension in terms of layout, road, water, power and treatment plants.

A prestigious project of West Bengal, the complex has been declared as an industrial park. There are police and fire stations, petrol pump, bank, post office, market complex and so on. Housing, hotels, commercial establishments are to follow. The activities within the CLC include the entire leather industry starting from the basic raw material units to tanning and finished leather, chemicals, leather machinery, by products, components and leather products such as footwear, goods accessories and garments. lt has also provision for Backward and Forward linkages.

Besides the numerous financial and other advantages in CLC, the complex also offers security and safety on the environmental front. It may be noteworthy that CETP in CLC is the only one of its kind to achieve all the specified standards. Teaming up as a Build Operate Transfer party, M.L.Dalmiya and Co. Limited, India's world class construction company, has made CLC a 'reality'. It is set to catalyse the overall development of leather industries in the state by infusing greater investments, scientific and technologically advanced manufacturing management practices and generating additional employment.

No Objection Certificates for the CLC project have been obtained from the West Bengal Pollution Control Board. Enviromental clearance has also been accorded by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India.

A unique "Special Economic Zone" for leather and allied industries is also being developed in CLC. An SEZ is a "duty free enclave that is considered to be foreign territory for trade operations, duties and tariffs". The Government's plans include not just relocation of the tanneries in the complex but also modernising the industry. The West Bengal Government, therefore, invites new investment in the area. This establishment of SEZ ensures to multiply the performance of export of leather products.

Exporters in the park enjoy the status of Offshore Units with a host of financial and non financial benefits, a simplified procedural regime and inhouse customs clearance facilities. With abundant raw materials available within the complex, it saves the manufacturers within the SEZ. a large part of their transportation cost.

The Government of West Bengal has indeed played a proactive and supporting role. About the impact of  begining of operations of CLC, West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharyya said, "Bengal should evolve as a major player in the global leather market. There is no complex like the CLC in Asia, it will help the local leather industry to become a major player." With its relatively strong raw material and skilled labour base coupled with necessary infrastructural facilities, the industry is well poised for rapid growth in West Bengal.

CLC is a step towards India's goal of achieving 5 % of world trade in leather and leather products in 2007. An estimated Rs.5,000 crore direct project investment now looms large over the eastern fringe of Kolkata which simply makes CLC the right destination for the leather sector in the country.