Himachal Pradesh's Bulk Drug Park: A Sustainable Industrial Revolution

Innovative Energy Solutions at Bulk Drug Park

Sunil Chadha

Una: The forthcoming Bulk Drug Park located in Haroli, Una district of Himachal Pradesh, is pioneering clean and sustainable industrial practices by implementing a multi-fuel steam generation system. This initiative marks a first for the state, as the energy needed for steam production in the manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) will be sourced from pine needles, biomass, and agricultural waste.

The facility will feature six state-of-the-art multi-fuel boilers, each capable of producing 50 tonnes of steam per hour, resulting in a total steam output of 300 tonnes per hour. This system incorporates automated fuel feeding, flue gas treatment, and heat recovery technologies to enhance efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.

A Green Initiative for Himachal

This eco-friendly fuel strategy tackles several issues simultaneously. The utilization of dry pine needles, which often contribute to forest fires in the lower Himalayan region, will now be transformed into a valuable energy source. Instead of being burned, this pine waste will fuel the boilers at the drug park, thereby reducing the risk of wildfires and environmental degradation.

By integrating this initiative with programs like MNREGA, a well-structured supply chain for collecting pine needles could be established, benefiting districts such as Kangra, Mandi, and Bilaspur, where pine forests are plentiful.

Transforming Agricultural Waste into Economic Opportunities

The advanced boiler system will also make use of agricultural residues, including straw from paddy, wheat, and maize, thereby creating new revenue streams for farmers. This initiative has the potential to significantly decrease stubble burning, a practice that has long contributed to air pollution in the area.

By providing a commercial avenue for agro-waste, the project is expected to yield economic and environmental advantages for neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana as well.

Empowering Rural Communities

This sustainable energy model is not only environmentally friendly but also community-oriented. The processes involved in collecting, transporting, and processing pine needles and agricultural waste will create job opportunities for numerous rural youth and women, thereby strengthening the rural economy.

A Vision for Industrial Self-Sufficiency

By merging eco-conscious technology with local resource utilization, the Haroli Bulk Drug Park is setting a precedent for environmental stewardship, rural employment, and industrial self-sufficiency. Himachal Pradesh is not only entering a new phase of pharmaceutical production but is also demonstrating how large-scale industries can flourish in harmony with nature and local communities.