Baddi, Dec 15 (KNN) In the backdrop of Special Package Scheme for Himachal Pradesh offered by the government in 2003, a large number of units were set up in Baddi, which led to increase in pollution, according to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
 
According to the Year End Review-2015 for the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, “The effluents from about 700 industries are discharged into Sirsa River, a tributary to the Satluj.”
 
MLD CETP has been established under the Scheme which started working in March, 2015. It caters to the requirement of industries in food sector. 
 
“It is expected that the CETP would start functioning in full capacity in another 3 to 4 months and will provide much needed relief against pollution,” said the Ministry.
 
Further SPV at Baddi is also running a technical training institute (ITI level).  It trains about 125 trainees in various categories; such as, electrician, fitter, turner and computer operator cum programme assistant.  The capacity of training institute has been doubled, considering large demand for its courses.  
 
Baddi Industrial Area was established in 1985. After the Special Package Scheme for Himachal Pradesh was notified in 2003, a large number of industries were established   at the Baddi Cluster. 
 
At present there are about 1800 industries employing about 2 lakh persons.  This cluster accounts for  20% industries in pharma sector, 15% in packaging sector and there are about 50 manufacturers each in FMCG and automobile parts, and 20 in textile sector. 
 
A project under ‘Recast IIUS’ was undertaken at ‘Pharma Cluster, Baddi’ with a  cost of Rs.86.76 crore.  Industries contributed Rs.9.22 crore and the State Government along with HP Pollution Control Board contributed about Rs.6.00 crore. (KNN Bureau)