Pondicherry, Aug 19: In a bid to promote industrial activities in the union territory, a 335 hectare site has been selected for setting up a special economic zone, chief minister N Rangasamy, has said. The government also had a plan for a free port area, he said last night while inaugurating a hardware facility of Global India Limited at Edayarpalayam here.

On the occasion, Rangasamy also asserted that the government would not hereafter permit any chemical or iron and steel industries in the union territory to prevent environmental pollution. Speaking on the occasion labour minister E Valsraj, said the port here was being developed with the help of private participation.

A broad gauge rail link from the railway station here to the port, at a cost of Rs 3.5 crore would be implemented soon which would offer direct and indirect employment to a large number of persons, he said.

Industries minister M Chandrakasu and MLAs T Jayamoorthy and N Gangadharan also spoke on the occasion. Bureau Report