Mott MacDonald to advise on Indian biotech park

Mott MacDonald has won the contract to advise the Indian government on a new biotech park that will aim to develop medicines from local plants.

The scheme is in Aduwal, in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh. The government says the area is full of rare plants which have potential for the pharmaceutical industry.

Mott will prepare a plan and feasibility study for the 35 acre-site. The scheme will be financed by a public-private agreement.

Prem Kumar Dhumal, the chief minister of Himachal Pradesh, declared his support for the scheme, saying: “We will provide all possible support for the growth of the biotechnology sector in the state and I welcome suggestions from industry leaders so as to make Himachal a global biotechnology hub.”

Shoma Majumadar, Mott MacDonald's director responsible for the site said companies had been showing interest in the scheme: “The biotech park will provide a boost to both the biotech sector and the state economy. We are configuring and structuring the project and have been in discussions with a number of developers who are keen to be a partner in this project.”

She added that Mott would draw upon previous pharmaceutical and biotech experience in India to build the park.

Himachal Pradesh is endowed with plant and microbial diversity with many rare plants, particularly in on the slopes of the Himalayas.