Calcutta, Aug. 6: Seven chambers of commerce in the city issued a joint statement today expressing concern over disruptions affecting industrial projects, but did not mention Singur by name.

The statement — issued by the Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Bharat Chamber of Commerce, Calcutta Chamber of Commerce, Confederation of Indian Industry (eastern region), Indian Chamber of Commerce, Merchants Chamber of Commerce and Oriental Chamber of Commerce — said the frequent and recently intensified disturbances were not just delaying projects but also showing the state in a poor light.

“The... still-persisting bandh culture and retrograde steps can cruelly wipe out the positive image which Bengal has been able to create vis-à-vis its industrial regeneration,” the statement said.

“We are turning the clock back and fuelling negative perceptions that will unarguably slow down the current growth momentum,” it added.