The Himachal Pradesh government has given Reliance Cement the green light to set up a new cement plant in the north Indian state. It has also served notices to four cement plants for failing to set up cement plants despite the government having granted approval some years ago.

The cabinet, headed by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, took the decision to issue notices to Jaiprakash Associates Ltd, Lafarge India Pvt Ltd, Grasim Cements Ltd's subsidiary Harish Cement Ltd and India Cement Ltd, a government spokesperson told local press.  Jaiprakash Associate's two proposed plants are in Solan and Chamba districts, while Lafarge's and Harish's plants are in Mandi district and the India Cement plant is in Shimla district.

The Reliance Cement plant was given the go-ahead based on based limestone, shale and quartzite in a number of local villages.