Economy of District Solan | HPPSC HPAS Preparation - HPPSC HPAS (Himachal Pardesh) PDF Download

Introduction

Solan, a district in Himachal Pradesh, is known for its industrial growth and economic significance. This area has a rich history and plays a pivotal role in various sectors, from agriculture to manufacturing. Here’s a detailed look at the key points about Solan and its neighboring regions, highlighting its development, industrial contributions, and notable features.

Solan District Overview

Mushroom District: Solan has earned the title of the Mushroom district of Himachal Pradesh, indicating its prominence in mushroom cultivation.
Milk Chilling Plants: The district is home to five milk chilling plants:

• Khandagaht
• Nalagarh
• Kunihar
• Darlaghat
• Maryog

Industrial Estates:

• First Estate: Established in 1961-62, the first industrial estate was set up in Solan.
• Second Estate: Barotiwala saw its first industrial estate set up in 1964-65.
• Industrial Hub: Solan stands out as the district with the highest number of large, medium, and small-scale industries in Himachal Pradesh.
• Electronic Units: The highest concentration of electronic manufacturing is found in Chambaghat and Jubbar Hatti.

Parwanoo

• Industrial Area: Parwanoo was designated an industrial area in 1975.
• Employment: Around 80% of the local population is involved in industrial activities.

Key Facilities:

• Processing Unit: Hosts the largest processing unit of HPMC (Himachal Pradesh State Forest Development Corporation).
• Agro Industries: HP Agro Industries operates a cattle feed unit here.
• Healthcare: Home to a large Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Hospital.

Baddi

• Location: Baddi is situated on the border of Himachal Pradesh and Haryana, approximately 35 kilometers west of Solan and 40 kilometers from Chandigarh.
• Industrial Appeal: Due to attractive tax concessions from the Central and State governments, many companies, including Colgate Palmolive, Cadilla Healthcare, Nectar Lifesciences, and Torrent Pharmaceuticals, have established large plants in Baddi.
• Educational Development: Baddi is becoming a significant educational hub, with new institutions such as Vivek International Public School revolutionizing the local education sector.

Nalagarh

• Historical Background: Nalagarh, a city in Solan district, was once the seat of the princely state of Hindur during the British Raj and was founded by the Chandella Rajputs in 1100 AD.
• Industrial Growth: Nalagarh is emerging as an industrial town with production units for leather, steel, chemicals, thread mills, and breweries.
• Pollution Concerns: Air pollution is a concern due to the heavy industrial activities.
• Language: Despite being part of Himachal Pradesh, Punjabi is commonly spoken in Nalagarh.

Mohan Meakin

• Historical Significance: Mohan Meakin began with Asia’s first brewery, established by Edward Dyer in 1855 at Kasauli. It was later moved to Solan due to the availability of fresh spring water.
• Beer Production: The brewery launched Asia’s first beer, “Lion”.

Temples in Solan District

• Goddess Shoolini Temple: A significant religious site in the district.
• Lord Krishna Temple: Another notable temple in the area.
• Jatoli Temple: Located on Rajgarh road, it adds to the district’s spiritual heritage.

Anees Villa

• Historical Ownership: Built in 1927, Anees Villa was owned by Salman Rushdie’s grandfather, Mohammad Uldin.
• Legal Battle: Following a revenue record mistake, Rushdie fought a legal battle to reclaim the property, which was eventually restored to him in 1997.

Other Notable Locations

• Dolanji Bon Monastery: Located in Solan District, this monastery is an important cultural and religious site.
• Mohan Shakti Heritage Park: Also situated in Solan, this park is a notable tourist attraction.
• Central Research Institute: Located in Kasauli, it specializes in producing anti-rabies medicines and injections.
• T.B. Sanatorium: Originally functioning at Mandhodhar, it was later moved to Dharmpur.

Economic Statistics

Top Contributor: Solan district ranks number one in Himachal Pradesh for both per capita income and contribution to the gross state domestic product (GSDP).

GSDP Contribution:

• Solan: Contributes about 24.67% to the state’s GSDP.
• Kangra: Contributes 13.76%.
• Shimla: Contributes 13.74%.
• Mandi: Contributes 10.15%.

Per Capita Income:

• Solan: Highest per capita income of Rs 3,94,102.
• Kinnaur: Rs 2,17,993.
• Lahaul Spiti: Rs 1,19,231.