India's Plans For Special Economic Zones Face Strong Opposition

Several organizations, agencies and political parties from both ends of the spectrum are coming together in opposition to the Special Economic Zone program started by the central government.

1 minute read

October 4, 2006, 8:00 AM PDT

By injunplanna


"The first export processing zone -- or free trade zone as they were earlier known -- in Asia was built near the western Indian port of Kandla more than four decades ago.

But things have changed a lot since then, and the authorities say that they want to emulate the success of SEZs operating in Shenzhen and Pudong - in Hong Kong and Shanghai respectively.

Both have become huge urban agglomerations of concrete and steel, and both have generated huge amounts of cash. Each year, exports from Shenzhen alone exceed India's total exports."

"Critics of the proposed SEZs say that rather than promote prosperity, the zones will in fact create economic hardship because they would be built on prime agricultural land, without adequate compensation for farmers.

They say that the zones would become 'islands of affluence in a sea of deprivation', only serving to exacerbate India's already wide regional imbalances."

Thanks to injunplanna

Monday, October 2, 2006 in BBC News online

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Redlining map of Oakland and Berkeley.

Rethinking Redlining

For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

May 15, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Alpine Recreation Center sign in park in Chinatown, Los Angeles, CA.

More Than a Park: A Safe Haven for Generations in LA’s Chinatown

Alpine Recreation Center serves as a vital cultural and community hub in Los Angeles' Chinatown, offering a safe, welcoming space for generations of Chinese American residents to gather, connect, and thrive amidst rapid urban change.

45 minutes ago - American Community Media

Deer grazing on hillside with few snow patches at Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado.

New Trail Project Enhances Safety and Access to Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge

Jefferson County is improving safe access to Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge with new trails, a bridge, and signage, as part of the Rocky Mountain Greenway project, ensuring environmental safety and educating visitors about the site’s history.

1 hour ago - Jefferson County

Abandoned industrial factory site.

Wisconsin Awarded $12 Million for Brownfield Redevelopment Amid Broader EPA Budget Cuts

The EPA provided the funding to Wisconsin for brownfield cleanups in cities like Milwaukee and Racine, even as broader agency budget cuts under the Trump administration raise concerns about future environmental protection capacity.

2 hours ago - Urban Milwaukee

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.