Nestle to set up facility in Himachal

"Nestle has identified 30 acres of land near Talewal in Una district for setting up its facility," state Industries Department Director Onkar Sharma told IANS. He said the company would apply to the state government this week for transfer of the land under the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act.

"Since the land belongs to the Himachal Pradesh Housing and Urban Development Authority, its transfer to the company would not be a problem," he said. According to the company's proposal, more than 1,000 people would be provided direct employment in the facility.

Another official of the Industries Department said Cadbury India has also shown keen interest in setting up its unit in the state. "Cadbury is also scouting for land in and around industrial town of Baddi in Solan district," he added.

Sharma said the government has plans to set up a food park in Kangra district. "We have identified a huge chunk of land near Indora in Kangra district for a Rs.1,500-crore food park where apple, citrus and mango processing units would be preferred," he said.

According to him, the proposed food park would be connected with a rail and air network. "It lies close to the Pathankot (in Punjab) airport and is well connected with the rail line too," Sharma said.

Under Himachal Pradesh laws, only permanent residents can buy land in the state. Others who want to purchase the land for non-agricultural purposes have to seek relaxations from the government under provisions of the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act.