High-range belt of Kottayam taps into big investments with ‘Rising Poonjar 2K25’

Spanning the Wagamon hills in the north to the forests of Sabarimala in the south, Poonjar, a picturesque region in the eastern high ranges of Kottayam, is opening its doors to investment and entrepreneurship.

In a move to boost enterprise and economic activity in the region, the Industries department is organising an investment meet titled “Rising Poonjar 2K25” at Erattupetta on Monday. The event, inspired by the Invest Kerala Global Summit, will be held at Barakat Square and inaugurated by Industries Minister P. Rajeeve.

According to Poonjar legislator Sebastian Kulathungal, the meet will showcase a wide range of investment projects within the Poonjar constituency and nearby regions. So far, 206 entrepreneurs have registered, with investment proposals totaling ₹2,042 crore. The projects are expected to generate employment for 7,381 people.

Potential areas

“The constituency holds immense potential across sectors such as tourism, agro-based and value-added food products, IT/ITES, rubber-based industries, wood products, and spice-based enterprises. With the proposed Sabarimala Greenfield International Airport in Erumely set to boost regional connectivity, this meet aims to catalyse industrial and commercial growth. The goal is to enhance local production, create jobs, and improve household incomes,” Mr. Kulathungal said.

The event also aims to streamline the process of setting up businesses by ensuring necessary permissions, technical assistance, and access to capital through financial institutions, government agencies and local self-governments. A wide variety of projects are expected to be launched as part of the initiative.

Registration for the event will begin at 9 a.m. on Monday. A panel session, scheduled from 9.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m., will cover business registration procedures, government support schemes and capital-raising strategies. The session will be led by G. Rajeev, Additional Director of the Department of Industries and Commerce, and his team.

Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine will inaugurate the exhibition. Minister for Cooperation and Devaswom V. N. Vasavan will deliver the valedictory address.

Published - June 05, 2025 06:09 pm IST