Archive · 31 Dec 2025
Ethanol Plant Controversy in Rajasthan
People in Rajasthan are worried about new ethanol factories being built in their area.
They think these factories will pollute the soil, water, and air.
Some factories have been shut down before because they caused pollution.
But the government says these new factories will use special technology to prevent pollution.
The factories make ethanol, which is mixed with petrol to make it cleaner.
Some people think the factories are necessary for development, while others think they will cause more harm than good.
The government is trying to make sure the factories follow strict rules to protect the environment.
Farmers in Rajasthan protested against the construction of ethanol plants in Tibbi and Sangaria, fearing pollution.
The protests led to the cancellation of one ethanol plant, with another facing similar opposition.
Ethanol plants can be highly polluting if they do not use modern technology like Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD).
The government mandates ZLD technology to prevent pollution from ethanol plants, ensuring no liquid waste is released.
Ethanol production from grains is considered less polluting than from sugarcane, with lower water consumption and easier waste management.
- Who
- Farmers, local residents, and political parties in Rajasthan
- What
- Protests against the construction of ethanol plants due to pollution concerns
- When
- Recent protests, with historical context from 2022
- Where
- Tibbi and Sangaria in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan
- Why
- Fears of soil, groundwater, and air pollution from ethanol plants
- Location
- Tibbi and Sangaria, Hanumangarh, Rajasthan
- Investment
- ₹450 crore
- Technology
- Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD)
- Ethanol Sources
- Grain-based (rice, corn) and sugarcane
- Pollution Control
- Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs)
- Government Mandate
- ZLD technology for ethanol plants
- Ethanol Blending Target
- 20% by 2025
- Current Ethanol Production
- 60% from grains, 40% from sugarcane