Himachal Pradesh says no to new ethanol plants over water, pollution concerns

The controversy concerning the Ethanol Blending Program in the country has multiple nuances. Now, the Himachal Pradesh state government has decided against approving any new ethanol plants, citing concerns over high water consumption and the potential for environmental pollution. Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan announced in the Assembly while deliberating on issues related to air and water pollution.

Minister Chauhan informed ethanol manufacturing units can require between 500,000 and 1 million litres of water daily. Such high consumption, he said, is not suitable for Himachal Pradesh as the state faces growing pressure on its water resources. He also flagged the potential for ethanol plants to contribute to air, surface-water and groundwater pollution.

The minister said the government would adopt a stricter approach towards industries like that of ethanol that place excessive demands on the state’s natural and power resources. Industries with high water or electricity consumption or those generating significant pollution would not be considered for approval in the future.

Recently, local residents living near an existing ethanol plant in Nalagarh complained of foul smell and pollution and the government is considering a longer-term solution, including the possibility of identifying an alternative location and relocating the plant.

Focus on Resource-Efficient Industries

Himachal Pradesh is also considering restrictions on other industries that place heavy demands on electricity or generate hazardous waste.

Chauhan cited steel reinforcement bar manufacturing units established under the Centre’s industrial package, saying individual units can consume between 50 MW and 100 MW of electricity. He said the state’s existing power capacity is not adequate to support such energy-intensive industries.

Currently, the state has only 200 KLPD ethanol production capacity installed. The Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) previously planned a grain-based ethanol plant in Una district with a capacity of 125 to 150 KLPD, though overall state policy has recently shifted.