SHIMLA-Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has sought 50 per cent equity in the Rs 500 Crore grain-based ethanol plant being set up at Jeetpur Behri in Una district by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL)

Presiding over a meeting attended by industries minister Harshwardhan Singh Chauhan, Gagret MLA Chaitanya Sharma  and top government and HPCL officials to discuss the construction of the plant, Sukhu directed the district administration to start land acquisition for the approach road from Bhanjal within 10 days and ensure that all obstacles in the construction of the plant are removed.

The company assured to take the Chief Minister's proposal of 50 per cent equity participation to the Board of Directors.

Sh Sukhu said the plant would provide employment and self-employment opportunities to the local people and farmers from Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur and neighbouring districts of Punjab.

At the request of the company, the Chief Minister also directed the district administration, Una to provide an additional 20 acres of land for the plant, which currently has 30 acre of land for the project.

MLA Chaitanya Sharma said that the plant would benefit the people of the Gagret area and also prove to be a boon to the transport industry.