PRENEETA SHARMA
UNA
The proposed ₹500 crore ethanol factory in the Jeetpur-Behari industrial area by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited is currently the subject of significant uncertainty. Himachal Pradesh’s first ethanol factory was established with a ₹250 crore investment from the state government. Despite all the work that has been done, including land selection, high-level discussions, and inspection visits, not a single brick has been placed in the building.
HPCL has received a formal transfer of the land chosen for the project. For the enhanced road and railroad line extension to the facility, the administration created a comprehensive land acquisition dossier and sent it to the government. Officials from the Industry Department and HPCL conducted multiple rounds of inspections over the last few months. Meetings with landowners had suggested that the acquisition process was complete, but this has since changed. The project’s work has completely ceased. In addition to the fact that building has not started, departments have become silent on the project. Additionally, officials are unable to make it apparent if the project has been put on hold, is stopped, or will move forward.
Long ago, a case was made for the government to approve the land acquisition process for improved road links and a railway line for the ethanol plant. The administration and government have put a lot of effort into making this project a reality, but no one is prepared to disclose the project’s current state.
