Knowledge park coming up at MGR Film City

CHENNAI Aug. 2. Entry of visitors to the Dr. MGR Film City, Taramani, is banned, with effect from August 1, following the Government decision to begin ``development works'' there as part of its efforts to make it a ``knowledge park.''

A public notification mentioning the ban has been put up in front of the main entrances.

The closure would enable the TIDCO (Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation), the nodal agency, to embark on the project.

According to official sources, in the area allocated for MGR Film City, 24.78 acres remain unutilised.

This area is to be placed at TIDCO's disposal to develop the proposed project that would support research activities in information technology, biotechnology and telecommunications.

The Information and Tourism Department and TIDCO will outline the specific area for the knowledge park and ensure that proper access to the area through the existing Film city is developed.

The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, has proposed to set up a project for research in Communication and Information Technology. TIDCO has approached several institutions to set up research facilities in bio-technology. Such institutions can be located in this area. TIDCO will take steps to commission the project in this financial year.

Official sources said the State had positioned itself well for development of areas commonly classified as ``the knowledge sector.''

A sound technical and educational infrastructure and the vast pool of technical manpower available in the region were cited as the key factors for the speedy development in the knowledge industry. The Government was of the view that support of research activities in this field would yield significant results for the development of the industry in the State.