Hanumangarh (Rajasthan):
Farmers in Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh district have intensified their protest against an ethanol plant under construction, with demonstrations turning violent on Wednesday. The agitation is directed against a grain-based ethanol factory being built in Rathi Kheda village of Tibbi tehsil.
According to officials, protesting farmers entered the factory premises, broke boundary walls using tractors, and set fire to several vehicles. Clashes broke out between police and protesters, leaving several people injured, including Congress MLA Abhimanyu Poonia. Five police personnel were also injured in the violence.
Following the unrest, the administration suspended internet services in Tibbi and nearby areas and ordered the closure of schools and colleges to maintain law and order.
What Triggered the Violence?
Farmers have been opposing the ethanol project for nearly a year, citing concerns over land acquisition, groundwater depletion, environmental damage, and threats to livelihoods. On Wednesday, a Mahapanchayat (large farmers’ assembly) was organised to press for their demands.
Negotiations between the administration and the protest committee failed, as farmers insisted on a written order to immediately halt construction of the factory. After talks collapsed, protesters gathered near the SDM office and later marched towards the factory site around 4 pm, leading to vandalism and arson.
Police used baton charges and tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. More than 10 vehicles, including a JCB machine, seven cars, two motorcycles, and a police vehicle, were set on fire.
About the Ethanol Project
The ethanol plant is being constructed at an estimated cost of ₹450 crore by Dune Ethanol Private Limited. Once completed, it is expected to be Asia’s largest grain-based ethanol factory, with a capacity of 40 megawatts. The project is part of India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme, aimed at reducing fuel imports and promoting cleaner energy.
Why Are Farmers Opposing It?
Villagers and farmers have formed a group called the ‘Ethanol Factory Hatao Sangharsh Samiti’ to oppose the project. Their key concerns include:
Possible depletion of groundwater levels
Environmental damage
Impact on agriculture and local livelihoods
Lack of transparency in land acquisition
Farmers have announced that protests will continue until a written order stopping the construction is issued.
Police Action and Current Situation
Police stopped Congress workers from attending a farmers’ meeting at Tibbi Gurudwara Singh Sabha and detained Congress MLA Rupinder Singh Kunnar. Authorities have registered cases against more than 100 people in connection with the violence, and several have been taken into custody.
Security forces, including two battalions of the Home Guards, had already been deployed at the site to prevent disruption of construction work.
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