Himachal Pradesh Bulk Drug Park, Una Secures Environmental Clearance

In a landmark development for Himachal Pradesh, the upcoming Bulk Drug Park at Una has secured the Environmental Clearance (EC) from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India. This clearance has paved the way for the establishment of one of India’s most significant infrastructure projects in the pharmaceutical sector, aiming to reduce dependency on API/KSM from other countries.

The Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, in line with the clarion call for self-reliance in the pharma sector, had launched the Scheme for Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks on 20th March 2020, with guidelines notified by the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), GoI on 21st July 2020. The Department of Industries, Government of Himachal Pradesh, prepared and submitted the Detailed Project Report (DPR), which was appraised by the Project Management Agency (PMA) and subsequently accorded final approval by the Scheme Steering Committee (SSC) on 11th October 2022.

The Bulk Drug Park at Una comprises a total capital cost of ₹2,071 crore, with ₹996.45 crore as Grant-in-Aid from the Government of India and ₹1,074.55 crore from the State Government. The project holds an investment potential of ₹8,000–10,000 crore and is expected to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities for 15,000–20,000 persons.

As the project falls under Schedule 7(c) of the EIA Notification pertaining to “Industrial Estates/Parks/Complexes/Areas, Export Processing Zones (EPZs), Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Biotech Parks, Leather Complexes”, Environmental Clearance (EC) from MoEF&CC was a mandatory requirement. This project is being implemented by SPV named Himachal Pradesh Bulk Drug Park Infrastructure Ltd. (HPBDPIL), which is working under the aegis of the Department of Industries, Government of Himachal Pradesh. SPV had placed the EC proposal before the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of MoEF&CC, GoI for making this prestigious project compliant with the required norms of MoEF&CC.

The journey of EC started with the first EAC meeting held on 10th November 2023, and approval for Terms of Reference (ToR) was granted on 1st August 2024, following a review meeting on 26th June 2024. A public hearing was also conducted successfully at the project site on 20th November 2024. Subsequently, the project was considered in the EAC meeting on 29th January 2025, wherein a Sub-Committee of the EAC was constituted for site inspection. The site visit was carried out on 30th April 2025 by members of MoEF&CC. As per the advisory of EAC, a technical report related to drainage pattern, development plan, minimum disturbance to ecology, seismic vulnerability, risk assessment, subsurface deformation, and landslides was prepared by NIT Hamirpur and further ratified by the Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee.

In its 414th meeting held on 2nd September 2025, the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC), after detailed deliberations on key aspects including wastewater management, Zero Liquid Discharge, drainage patterns, development planning, ecological sensitivity, seismic vulnerability, and associated risk factors, accorded final approval for Environmental Clearance to the Himachal Pradesh Bulk Drug Park Infrastructure Limited (HPBDPIL). This Environmental Clearance (EC) is for an area of 568.75 hectares. As per the advisory, SPV has been asked to ensure a minimum of 33% green cover, development up to 65–70% of the total project area, adoption of a minimum 10% solar energy usage, balance between surface and groundwater for long-term sustainability, minimum disturbance to natural ecology, creation of a buffer zone in and around nallahs, and usage of geo-textiles for preventing soil erosion.

The Committee also advised SPV for maximum usage of biomass as well as the gas pipeline as a source of boiler fuel. In addition, the Committee emphasized the execution of the Zero Liquid Discharge Facility as an integral part of the CETP Utility. The SPV has to submit the compliance report from time to time to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Govt. of India.

On achieving this milestone, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sh. Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, stated that “The Bulk Drug Park at Una will significantly strengthen Himachal Pradesh’s position as a leading hub of pharmaceutical manufacturing in India and will generate large-scale employment opportunities for our youth.”

Hon’ble Industries Minister, Sh. Harshwardhan Chauhan, said, “The Environmental Clearance has paved the way for fast-tracking the next stages of development. This park shall play a pivotal role in driving self-reliance in the pharma sector.”

The Worthy Additional Chief Secretary (Industries), Sh. R. D. Nazeem, said, “The State Government welcomes the grant of Environmental Clearance for the upcoming Bulk Drug Park and will make every effort to ensure its timely development as a project of National Importance.”

The Director of Industries, Dr. Yunus, said, “Department of Industries is committed to execute this Park in a timebound manner, so that the dependency on 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 with the advisory given by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).