Abandoned to the elements, the Hindustan Photo Films Manufacturing Company Limited (HPF) in the picturesque Nilgiris, which in its heyday was staffed by over 6,000 workers, has fallen into ruin. Rust covers its parked staff buses and moss and lichen occupy the exterior of the main factory building.
The factory was opened in 1960 by the Indian government, thanks to the steadfast efforts of former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj, to generate jobs in the hill district. Indeed, it was once the main source of employment in Udhagamandalam.
