The future of the Centre of Excellence Dairy Farm-cum-Training Centre at Basal village in Una subdivision is in jeopardy after repeated tender attempts for civil works failed over nearly three years, while the project cost of Rs 44.12 crore has escalated.
Project Details and Funding
According to the district Animal Husbandry Department, the state-of-the-art facility will feature robotic technology and house 200 high-yielding breed cows in partnership with Denmark. The centre aims to provide modern, scientific dairy management training to local farmers. Of the total cost, the state government contributes Rs 12.92 crore, with the remainder funded by the central government.
Land Allocation and Initial Works
A 10-hectare plot at Basal village was allocated in 2022. In early 2024, the State Animal Husbandry Department released Rs 3.5 crore for a boundary wall, drinking water tank, and electricity transformer, completed by the HP State Industries Development Corporation. However, no further infrastructure development has occurred, and the site is now overgrown.
Reasons for Tender Failure
Deputy Director of Una Animal Husbandry Department, Dr Varinder Singh Patyal, said the sanctioned amount has been transferred to Shimla, and the Rs 3.5-crore tender was executed by the head office. He added that civil works tenders were floated three times but failed to attract the mandatory minimum of three bidders. Departmental sources attribute the lack of bidders to a sharp rise in construction material costs since the detailed project report was finalized about four years ago.
Central Government's Stand
Sources said the central government has asked the state to either complete the project within allocated funds or return the sanctioned amount.
Manpower Concerns
Departmental sources also expressed concern over shrinking human resources. While cattle population and milk demand are rising, along with veterinary institutions and services, no additional staff have been sanctioned. This raises doubts about the centre's ability to achieve its objectives even if it becomes operational.
