CHH. SAMBHAJI NAGAR

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar has emerged as a major industrial hub in Maharashtra, with thriving sectors such as automobile manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and agro-based industries. The district is home to key industrial estates like Waluj and Shendra, which form part of the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Industrial City (AURIC), a planned smart industrial township under the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC).

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar has emerged as Maharashtra’s second-largest automotive hub after Pune, hosting major manufacturers like Bajaj Auto and ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India. With over 2,500 automotive and engineering units, the city plays a crucial role in vehicle assembly and component production.

The region's dry climate provides ideal conditions for pharmaceutical manufacturing. Companies produce a range of products, including tablets, injections, capsules, ointments, and soft gels, for both domestic and international markets. Some of the firms here, including Ajanta Pharma, Johnson & Johnson, Wockhardt, and Lupin, contribute to the city's status as a leading pharmaceutical production center.

According to locals, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar was historically known for its silk and cotton production, particularly the Himroo fabric, a blend of silk and locally grown cotton. Though the traditional silk industry has declined, some manufacturers continue producing valued Paithani silk saris. Locals say that cotton-spinning and weaving mills began emerging in the late 19th century, with industrial growth accelerating after Marathwada's integration into Maharashtra in 1960.

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar district in Maharashtra hosts several Special Economic Zones (SEZs) that play a crucial role in driving economic growth, attracting investments, and boosting exports.

A key SEZ in the region is the Shendra-Bidkin Industrial Area, part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC). This integrated industrial hub specializes in manufacturing, engineering, electronics, and auto components. With world-class infrastructure, well-developed road and rail networks, and proximity to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Airport, it offers a favorable business environment. Reliable access to power and water further strengthens its appeal, drawing both domestic and international investments while creating significant employment opportunities.

The Waluj Industrial Area SEZ is another major zone, catering primarily to the pharmaceutical, engineering, and automotive industries. Strategically located near key logistics hubs, it supports efficient export operations and houses multiple manufacturing units contributing to India's global trade.

Additionally, the Himayat Bagh IT SEZ focuses on information technology and IT-enabled services (ITES). Designed to support the growth of the IT sector in the district, it provides essential infrastructure for software development, back-office operations, and call centers.

Industrial activities in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar have led to severe environmental challenges, particularly in air and water pollution. The district has been classified as a critically polluted industrial cluster, with a Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index (CEPI) score of 77.44, highlighting significant air quality concerns. High levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) exceed permissible limits, primarily due to emissions from industrial units, vehicular traffic, and open burning.

Water pollution is another critical issue, especially in the Waluj MIDC area, where over 105 water-polluting units discharge approximately 10.72 million liters per day (MLD) of industrial effluent.