File picture of a paper mill

New Delhi, Jan. 3: Nagaland will henceforth provide papers for high-quality photocopies if everything goes according to plan. As a “Christmas gift” to the state, the Centre has given the much-needed go-ahead for opening of the pulp and paper mills in Tuli after 14 years.

The unit was nearly shut down after being referred to the Board of Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR). Now with the Centre apparently closing the case, there are hopes of more jobs in the insurgency-hit state with few employment opportunities.

The reopening of the mill will also provide a major thrust to production of high-grade bamboo, an essential ingredient for high-grade papers used for quality photocopying.

More than Rs 550 crore will be pumped into the project to revive the mill. It is targeted to have an annual turnover to the tune of Rs 250 crore.

Owing to knowhow in bamboo development gained in the last two years by the state, high-grade bamboo plantation is being encouraged that will be used to produce “very good” paper used in photocopiers.

The decision is not only giving a lesson on professionalism to the state but has also given a fillip to a comprehensive programme on promotion of bamboo in Nagaland.

Later this month, top officials of the industries ministry will visit the site. In February, commerce minister Jairam Ramesh will visit Nagaland to inaugurate the Tuli Paper Mill.

“It will be a professionally-run company under the banner of Hindustan Paper Corporation Limited (HPCL),” said state industries secretary Alemtemshi Jamir.

In November, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs announced the “Christmas gift” by clearing the proposal for reopening of the project in Mokokchung district.

Located in idyllic Tuli in the foothills of Assam, the mill will be fed power through a 66- KV line from the Doyang hydel project. Its huge water requirement will be met by the Milak river.

Sources said for the last two years the state administration has been trying to convince HPCL chairman and managing director Raji Philip to take charge of the new project himself.