BT Parks - North

Himachal Pradesh: On the brass track

The biotechnology park in Himachal Pradesh was initially proposed on 134 acres of land at Kotla Barog on Solan-Rajgarh Highway, 22 km from Solan and 8 km from University of Horticulture and Forestry-Nauni, Solan. However, based on the feed-back from the interested investors, the Biotechnology Park/BT Industrial Cluster will now be established at Aduwal on Nalagarh-Swarghat National Highway (around 7 km from Nalagarh and 40 km from Pinjore, 60 km from Chandigarh). The state government. has decided to develop this area as a leading biotechnology hub which will house biotechnology-based industries only. To start with, out of around 400 acres, 35 acres of land will be made available immediately whereas the rest of land will be provided in due course of time.

The state government. will provide basic infrastructure and other facilities like road, power, water and other amenities at the park site. The state government has also initiated efforts for providing basic facilities at the park site and the process of selection of private partner has also been initiated. DBT-GoI has allowed extension of the project until March, 2009 and the state government is committed to complete all required formalities so as to start working for establishment of the Park by the end of 2008.

Collaborations

The state government. has received offers from various investors from within India and abroad for collaborations for various projects. which are being examined at present. The state will soon come-up with open tender for selection of consultant and the private investors who may like to join hands with the government as primary promoter, collaborator, partner or a tenant in the park.

Investments

The state is expecting an investment of more than Rs 200 crore in the first phase of biotechnology park and as soon as the promoter is selected, the final details will be available. Besides above, several business houses have desired to invest in the Bt-related activities not only at BT Park site, but at other locations as well and the total investment will go quite high (approx. Rs 1000 crore).