Rs 861 cr projects okayed

The Himachal Pradesh Single-Windows Clearance and Monitoring Authority (SWCMA) today approved the setting up of 12 industrial undertakings in the medium- and large-scale sector for Rs 861 crore.

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh presided over the meeting. The SWCMA had earlier approved 124 industrial units for Rs 1,671 crore.

A spokesman of the state government said, "It includes one large cement unit at an investment of Rs 760 crore at Baga-Bhalag in the Solan district."

"The state government was considering a proposal to constitute separate developmental authorities for all the major industrial areas of the state," the spokesman said.

"The incentives in Himachal include land at reasonable rates, uninterrupted power supply, and a pollution-free environment suitable for eco-friendly industries," he added.

"All related departments should work in close coordination to make the Single-Window Clearance and Monitoring Authority concept successful," Virbhadra Singh said.

The SWCMA stressed not permitting the installation of induction furnaces, which are harmful to the environment, besides being highly power-consuming.