Shimla: Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday laid the foundation stone for site development and infrastructure works of the Bulk Drug Park at Polian in Una district.Sukhu also laid the foundation stone for a working women’s hostel at Panjuana, to be built at a cost of Rs 8.28 crore, accommodating 50 women employed in nearby industrial areas.The Bulk Drug Park, spread across 1,405 acres with a total outlay of Rs 2,071 crore, is partially funded by the central govt, contributing around Rs 996 crore. The chief minister said the project would enhance the state’s position as a major pharma hub and generate large-scale employment opportunities.Deputy chief minister Mukesh Agnihotri termed the project transformative for the regional economy, highlighting water infrastructure works worth Rs 68.49 crore. Industries minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said power and site development works are progressing steadily. The park is expected to attract investments of Rs 8,000-10,000 crore and create up to 20,000 jobs, while promoting self-reliance in the pharmaceutical sector and reducing dependency on API imports. So far, 1,109 trees have been felled strictly in accordance with approved statutory and environmental clearances. Formation cutting works are in progress over about 16 hectares (213 bighas), while tree-felling operations are underway across nearly 50 hectares (about 500 bighas) to facilitate further development.
