Himachal Pradesh has achieved a major milestone with the upcoming Bulk Drug Park at Una when the state received Environmental Clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
The department nod clears the decks for one of India’s most significant infrastructure projects in the pharmaceutical sector, aimed at reducing dependency on imported Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and Key Starting Materials (KSMs).
The scheme for promoting bulk drug parks was launched by the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers in March 2020, with detailed guidelines notified by the Department of Pharmaceuticals in July 2020.
The Himachal Pradesh Industries Department submitted the project proposal, which was appraised by the Project Management Agency and accorded final approval by the Scheme Steering Committee in October 2022.
The Una Bulk Drug Park entails a capital outlay of Rs 2,071 crore, comprising Rs 996.45 crore as central grant-in-aid and Rs 1,074.55 crore from the state government. With an investment potential of Rs 8,000 to 10,000 crore, the project is expected to create 15,000 to 20,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.
It is being implemented through a Special Purpose Vehicle, Himachal Pradesh Bulk Drug Park Infrastructure Ltd. (HPBDPIL), under the Industries Department. The project was reviewed in January 2025 by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC), which constituted a sub-committee for site inspection.
Technical assessments on drainage patterns, ecological safeguards, seismic vulnerability, risk management, and landslide susceptibility were prepared by NIT Hamirpur and validated by the Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said, “The Bulk Drug Park at Una will significantly strengthen Himachal Pradesh’s position as a leading hub of pharmaceutical manufacturing and generate large-scale employment opportunities for our youth.”
Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said the clearance would expedite development and play a pivotal role in achieving self-reliance in the pharma sector. Industries Director R D Nazeem stated that the state government welcomes the grant of environmental clearance and would make every effort to ensure its timely completion.
Industries director Dr Yunus said, “Department of Industries is committed to executing this Park in a time bound manner, so that the dependency of API/ KSM could be reduced”. He 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).
The pharmaceutical industry hailed the development. FOPE Chairman B R Sikri said the park would pave the way for a robust and sustainable pharma ecosystem. Leaders from the Himachal Drug Manufacturers Association, Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh Industries Association, and Haroli Block Industries Association said the project marks a new era for Himachal Pradesh, where world-class infrastructure will strengthen the pharmaceutical value chain, ensure quality assurance, and enhance global competitiveness.