By IANS,
Baddi (Himachal Pradesh) : Concerned over unscientific disposal of hazardous waste by industries, the Himachal Pradesh government Monday launched a waste treatment plant at a cost of Rs.340 million at the state’s industrial hub, Baddi in Solan district.
The treatment plant, having private and public equity, will cater to the needs of more than 1,200 units across the state producing hazardous waste.
“The plant would dispose of noxious chemical waste emanating from pharmaceutical, pesticide, chemical and paper units set up in Baddi, Barotiwala and Nalagarh industrial belt,” state Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said while inaugurating the plant.
“The plant would scientifically dispose of 36,000 tonnes of waste annually,” he said.
It would be run by a society with 49 percent share in the form of equity lying with the industries and the remaining belonging to United Phosphorus Ltd., the operating agency.
Each user will be liable to pay charges at the rate of Rs.950 per tonne of the hazardous waste. The waste will be stored in pits having a capacity of 50,000 metric tonnes.
Himachal has 38 industrial areas and 15 industrial estates.
The state’s industrial sector received a major boost in 2003 following the special industrial package announced by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led National Democratic Alliance government at the centre.
Lured by the industrial package, more than 900 medium and large-scale units have set up base in Himachal Pradesh since then.
Of these, 623 units have been set up in the Baddi, Barotiwala and Nalagarh areas of Solan district.
The state has attracted industrial investment of Rs.10 billion in the past six months.
The present Bharatiya Janata Party government in the state is attempting to get the special package extended to 2013, as announced originally. The current industrial package will expire in 2010.