Jaipur: The Rs 450-crore ethanol plant being developed by a private company in Hanumangarh district is likely to wind up operations in the state once procedural formalities for relocating the project to Madhya Pradesh are completed, a representative of the private company confirmed to TOI Monday.Work on the project was halted weeks after violent protests by local farmers fearful of the plant damaging soil fertility and increasing pollution. First cleared under the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress govt in 2023, the project resurfaced as a flashpoint in Dec 2025 amid allegations that effluents and industrial waste would likely contaminate the area’s farmland and groundwater.A company representative, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Given the circumstances, continuing work here is not feasible. We will comply with all procedures required for relocation.”The official added, “We failed to convince farmers that the plant has a zero-liquid-discharge system and advanced pollution controls. The project would have created jobs and ensured fair prices for local produce.” The 40-acre ethanol plant was being developed with an investment of roughly Rs 450 crore by a Chandigarh-based private company at Rathi Khera village in Tibbi tehsil of Hanumangarh district. It was scheduled to produce 1,320 kilolitres per day of grain-based ethanol, and included a 40 MW co-generation power plant. The company planned to use rice, maize and straw sourced locally to produce ethanol.The project is linked to India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme to support cleaner fuel and reduced imports.Reacting to the news, protesting farmers said they will continue their agitation until the project is officially scrapped. “We’re not against industry, but it cannot be at the cost of our land and water. Until there is a written order cancelling the plant, our protest will continue,” said Girdhari Lal, a farmer from Tibbi.Farmers claim repeated appeals in the past about groundwater contamination, crop loss and air-pollution risks went unanswered.Protests peaked on Dec 10, when a mahapanchayat drew thousands of farmers to Tibbi. After the meeting, groups marched to the construction site and pulled down parts of the plant’s boundary wall. Clashes ensued when police used batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd, leaving over 50 people, including farmers and police personnel, injured, and several vehicles damaged.Amid the unrest, the administration halted work the same day. Talks took place on Dec 12, but no consensus emerged. On Dec 17, the Bharatiya Kisan Union announced it would continue the agitation.Hanumangarh district collector Khushaal Yadav could not be reached for comment.
