Rs 560-cr investments cleared

Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal presided over the meeting.

The new proposals include a manufacturing facility for an efficient irrigation system,machinery and equipment for drip irrigation system and sprinkler irrigation systems by Jain Irrigation Systems Limited. The unit with an investment of Rs 79.74 crore will generate employment for 721 people.

Among the other proposals are a unit by Dev Resins Private Limited and another for manufacturing of eco-friendly hollow concrete blocks for infrastructure industry by Ecologic Buildings Systems with an investment of about Rs 22 crore. The authority also approved a project to set up a luxurious tourism resort-cum-health farm on the Kalka-Shimla highway at a cost of Rs 63.13 crore. The project promises to meet the requirements of high-end tourists and provide employment to 122 people.

Speaking at the meeting,Dhumal said despite the withdrawal of concessions under the Special Industrial Package,the state had succeeded in attracting industrial investments from prominent business houses. Against the legal provision of 70 per cent employment to local people,he claimed,80 per cent locals had been employed by the industrial units that came into operation in the last two years.

Dhumal expressed concerns over unscientific mining going on in the river beds of the state,which he said was a threat to the fragile ecology of the state. He directed the authorities to carry surprise inspections of all such locations to bring unauthorised miners to book.

“No mining activity should be allowed near water supply schemes and water bodies. For this,mining field functionaries need to maintain a strict vigil,” said the CM,directing the deputy commissioners concerned to submit report about illegal mining taking place in their districts.