SHIMLA-12^th September, 2025

Bulk Drug Park, Una secures environmental clearance

In a landmark development, the upcoming Bulk Drug Park at Una has secured the Environmental Clearance (EC) from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). This clearance has paved the way for the establishment of one of the India’s most significant infrastructure projects in the pharmaceutical sector aiming to reduce dependency of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) a biologically active component of a drug that provides the therapeutic effect, and Key Starting Material (KSM), a fundamental raw material, from other countries.

The Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, had launched the scheme for promotion of bulk drug parks in March 2020, with guidelines as notified by the Union department of Pharmaceuticals GoI in July, 2020. The state Industries department prepared and submitted the detailed project report which was appraised by the Project Management Agency (PMA) and subsequently accorded final approval by the Scheme Steering Committee (SSC) in October 2022.

A spokesperson of the Industries said that the Bulk Drug Park at Una comprises a total capital cost of Rs. 2,071 crore, with Rs. 996.45 crore as grant-in-aid from the government of India and Rs. 1,074.55 crore from the state government. The project holds an investment potential of Rs. 8,000 to 10,000 crore and is expected to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities for 15,000 to 20,000 persons.

This project is being implemented by SPV, a global leader in healthcare innovation, named Himachal Pradesh Bulk Drug Park Infrastructure Ltd. (HPBDPIL) which is working under the aegis of the state Industries department. The project was considered in the EAC meeting in January 2025, wherein a Sub-Committee of the EAC was constituted for site inspection. As per advisory of EAC, technical report related to drainage pattern, development plan, minimum disturbance to ecology, seismic vulnerability, risk assessment, sub surface deformation and landslides etc. was got prepared from NIT Hamirpur and further got rectified by the Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee.

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that “The Bulk Drug Park at Una would significantly strengthen state's position as a leading hub of pharmaceutical manufacturing in India and will also generate large-scale employment opportunities for our youth.”

Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said that the environmental clearance has paved the way for fast-tracking the next stages of development. This park would play a pivotal role in driving self-reliance in the pharma sector.

Additional Chief Secretary, R.D. Nazeem stated that the State Government welcomes the grant of environmental clearance and would make every effort to ensure its timely completion.

Director, Industries Dr. Yunus said, “Department of Industries is committed to execute this Park in time bound manner, so that the dependency of API/ KSM could be reduced”. He further added that this Park would be developed in accordance with guidelines of the Scheme "Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks" by the Department of Pharmaceuticals and in compliance to the advisory given by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).

BR Sikri, Chairman Federation of Pharma Entrepreneurs (FOPE) extended hi felicitations to the Chief Minister, the Industries Minister and entire team working on the project. He stated that the Drug park would pave the way for a robust and sustainable pharma eco-system.

Dr. Rajesh Gupta, President Himachal Drug Manufacturer Association, Rajeev Aggarwal, President Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh Association, Sanjay Sharma, CEO, Pharma testing Lab, Rakesh Kaushal, President, Haroli Block Industries Association extended their felicitations to the Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on getting the environmental clearance for Bulk Drug Park at Una. They said that marks a new era for Himachal Pradesh, where world-class infrastructure will strengthen the pharmaceutical value chain, enhance quality assurance, and promote global competitiveness.

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Himachal emerging as a model for mountain urbanization : Vikramaditya Singh

Addressing a Conclave on 'Sustainable Urbanization and Climate-Resilient Development' in Kochi (Kerala) on Friday, PWD and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh said that Himachal, being one of the most ecologically sensitive regions, requires a distinct model of urban growth that balances development with environmental conservation.

The Minister said that Himachal Pradesh was moving ahead with a comprehensive vision for climate-resilient and sustainable urban development and was steadily advancing its green building movement. The growing adoption of sustainable practices reflects the State Government's commitment to reducing environmental impact and enhancing quality of life through energy-efficient and resource-conscious designs.

The Minister informed that the State Government has adopted measures like climate-smart building codes, vulnerability assessments in urban master plans, and ecosystem-based adaptation to tackle challenges posed by climate change. Technology is being integrated with traditional knowledge for early warning systems, slope stabilization through bio-engineering, and smart water management to ensure water security.

He highlighted new financing models including the 'Himachal Green Development Fund', carbon credit monetization, and tourism-linked infrastructure bonds. Public-Private-Community Partnerships are also being encouraged to ensure people’s participation in development, he stated.

He said that Himachal has become the first state in the country to achieve 100 percent renewable electricity, while Shimla and Dharamshala are moving towards fully electric public transport. Cable car systems and non-motorized pathways are being developed to ease urban congestion.

Himachal was a custodian of one of India's most ecologically sensitive and spiritually significant regions, he said, adding that, Himachal was emerging as a model for mountain urbanization, with several states and countries following and adopting its practices. By 2047, the State aims to become the world’s 'first climate-positive mountain state.'

Emphasizing, that sustainable urbanization must preserve Himachal’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, he said that traditional architecture, temple buffer zones, and sacred grove protection are being integrated into development plans.

Our state presents a unique urbanization challenge and we are home to some of India's most visited tourist destinations, fastest-growing urban centers, and simultaneously, some of the most climate-vulnerable ecosystems, he said.

"When we speak of urban development in Himachal, we not merely discuss concrete and steel but about preserving the sanctity of places where millions come seeking spiritual solace - from the sacred peaks of Mount Kailash to the ancient temples of Chamba. We're discussing development that honors both the aspirations of our 75 lakh family members and the responsibility we bear, as guardians of the Western Himalayas", he remarked.

Over the past decade our forest cover has increased to 27.72 percent, the highest among all the Indian states. This achievement did not happen overnight but through conscious policy frameworks that reflects that development and conservation can be complementary forces to preserve the environment and forest wealth, he stated.

"The 2023 monsoon season brought this reality home starkly. Unprecedented rainfall all over the State, cloud bursts and flash floods in Kullu-Manali and landslides reminds us that climate resilience is not optional - it's essential for survival", he stressed upon.

Our tourism contributes around Rs. 15,000 crores annually to the state economy. This ensures that communities hosting visitors benefit directly while maintaining the pristine environment that attracts tourists. "The future of urbanization will be decided not in the metros and mega cities alone, but in places like Himachal Pradesh, where development and conservation is not optional but mandatory", said Vikramaditya Singh.

Earlier, he also met Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar and honoured him.

Chief Ministers of various states, distinguished ministers, urban planners, development partners, climate experts, and fellow guardians deliberated upon the topic.

Participants from more than 10 plus countries with 1000 participants and 60 plus speakers gave their valuable suggestions on the urbanization models.

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Deputy Chief Whip calls on Union Defence Minister

Urges to sanction war memorial at Shahpur

Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania called on Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on Thursday. He raised several issues related to the state, with special focus on the Shahpur Constituency of district Kangra, which has a significant population of serving and ex-servicemen of the Indian Army.

He apprised the Defence Minister that Subedar Pawan Singh Jarial of Shahpur who recently laid down his life during Operation Sindoor, was the first martyr of the region in this operation. He requested the sanctioning of a War Memorial at Shahpur to honour his contribution. The state government has already identified and allotted land for the same and an early approval from the Defence Ministry would help in its timely construction.

The Deputy Chief Whip also stressed the urgent need for better facilities for ex-servicemen in the area. At present, the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) was being run from the state government hospital building in Shahpur, which was facing acute space constraints.

He informed that the state government has already transferred 00-24-00 hectares of land to the Defence Ministry for the establishment of a type-C ECHS polyclinic, a CSD canteen and a Sainik rest house at Shahpur. However, the financial sanction from the Ministry of Defence was still awaited.

In addition, he raised the issue of 5.91 acres of land situated in the heart of Shahpur town, which was owned by the Central Government but presently in the possession of various state government departments. This land, which serves as the only available ground for local schools and the town, was not being optimally utilized due to the dispute over ownership and possession.

The State Government has proposed an exchange of this land parcel under the existing policy framework of the Defence Ministry and requested his intervention for an early resolution.

He urged the Defence Minister to instruct the concerned officials to expedite necessary approvals and sanctions for these long-pending projects in the interest of ex-servicemen and the local community of Shahpur.

The Defence Minister assured that all the genuine demands of the state would be considered sympathetically and every possible support would be extended to the state.