Bulk Drug Park Haroli: Rs 1000 Crore Grant for Common Infrastructure
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Economy
Why in news
The Indian government has approved a Rs 1,000 crore grant for the development of common infrastructure facilities (CIF) at the Bulk Drug Park in Haroli, Una district, Himachal Pradesh, under the 'Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks' scheme. This move is part of efforts to boost domestic production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and reduce import dependence. The announcement was made in a written reply to the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Anupriya Patel, on July 31, 2026.
Background
The Bulk Drug Park scheme was launched to promote the development of three mega bulk drug parks in India, with a financial outlay of Rs 3,000 crore. The park in Himachal Pradesh is one of them, aimed at creating a robust pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem. The project involves setting up common infrastructure like effluent treatment plants, steam generation, and solid waste management to reduce costs for manufacturers.
Key facts
The central government approved Rs 1,000 crore grant for CIF development at the Bulk Drug Park in Haroli, Una district, Himachal Pradesh.
A Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) with Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) and capacity of 50 million liters per day (MLD) was approved at an estimated cost of Rs 244.43 crore.
The total project cost is Rs 1,923 crore, with CIF cost at Rs 1,118.46 crore, of which Rs 1,000 crore is central grant.
The first installment of central assistance, Rs 225 crore, was released on February 20, 2023, to Himachal Pradesh Bulk Drug Park Infrastructure Limited (HPBDPIL), the state implementing agency.
As of June 30, 2026, the state had utilized Rs 116.00 crore from central grant and Rs 0.24 crore from state grant for CIF development.
Tenders worth Rs 573.6 crore have been issued for CETP with ZLD (Rs 273.6 crore) and steam generation and distribution (Rs 300 crore).
Tenders for first phase CIF civil works (internal roads, drainage, bridges) worth Rs 178.72 crore have been issued and work is in progress.
Environmental clearance for the park was granted on September 25, 2025.
The project is expected to generate direct employment for 15,000-20,000 persons and attract investment of Rs 8,000-10,000 crore.
The park will include shared infrastructure like ZLD-based CETP, solid waste management, steam generation, solvent recovery, assured water supply, and reliable power infrastructure.
Prelims pointers
- Scheme: Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks
- Location: Haroli, Una district, Himachal Pradesh
- Implementing Agency: Himachal Pradesh Bulk Drug Park Infrastructure Limited (HPBDPIL)
- Key Infrastructure: Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) with Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD)
- Capacity: 50 MLD (million liters per day)
- Total Project Cost: Rs 1,923 crore
- Central Grant: Rs 1,000 crore
- First Installment Released: February 20, 2023 (Rs 225 crore)
- Environmental Clearance: September 25, 2025
- Employment Potential: 15,000-20,000 direct jobs
Mains angles
- GS3 Economy: Discuss the significance of bulk drug parks in promoting domestic manufacturing of APIs and reducing import dependence.
- GS3 Environment: Examine the role of Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems in sustainable industrial development.
- GS2 Government Policies: Critically evaluate the implementation of the 'Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks' scheme in achieving self-reliance in pharmaceuticals.