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The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Sukhu, announced on Tuesday that a new ethanol plant will be set up in Una district by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL). The plant will be built on 30 acres of land at a cost of �500 crore. Sukhu was presiding over a meeting to discuss the construction of the plant when he made the announcement. He said that the government is ready to invest 50% of the project cost and will extend full cooperation to HPCL in setting up the plant. HPCL has assured the Chief Minister that it will take up the government's proposal with its Board of Directors. The Chief Minister also directed the district administration to start land acquisition for the approach road from Bhanjal to Jeetpur Behri within 10 days and to ensure that all obstacles in the construction of the plant are removed. Sukhu said that the plant will provide employment and self-employment opportunities to the local people and farmers from Kangra, Hamirpur and Bilaspur. He also said that the neighbouring districts of Punjab will also benefit from the grain-based ethanol plant. At the request of HPCL, the Chief Minister also directed the district administration to provide an additional 20 acres of land for the plant. The construction of the ethanol plant is expected to boost the economy of Una district and create new employment opportunities for the local people. It will also help to reduce the state's dependence on fossil fuels and promote the use of renewable energy sources.