Tensions are running high in Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh district as hundreds of farmers gather for a large Mahapanchayat to protest a proposed ethanol factory in Rathi Kheda village of Tibbi tehsil. The agitation escalated after talks with the district administration failed, following clashes between farmers and police last week.
The Mahapanchayat, scheduled on Wednesday at the grain market in Hanumangarh Junction, was initially planned outside the District Collectorate but later shifted. Farmers allege that the ethanol plant, being built by Chandigarh-based Dune Ethanol Private Limited, could lower groundwater levels, cause air and water pollution, and harm agriculture and the local environment. The company has said the project is part of the Centre’s Ethanol Blended Petrol programme.
Over the past few days, farmers have visited villages across the district to mobilise support for the Mahapanchayat. The administration has responded with tight security arrangements, including the imposition of Section 144 and Section 163, prohibiting unauthorised gatherings, processions, weapons, provocative speeches, and public slogans. All gates of Dhan Mandi, except the main entrance, have been closed, multiple layers of barricades set up, and police patrolling continuously. Internet services at the district headquarters have also been suspended to prevent the spread of rumours.
District Collector and District Magistrate Khushal Yadav said permission to bring tractors to the Mahapanchayat could not be granted, citing their misuse during previous incidents. Last month, when farmers attempted to reach the factory site with tractors, they clashed with police, leading to a lathi charge and tear gas being used. Congress MLA from Sangaria, Abhimanyu Poonia, was injured during the baton charge and admitted to Hanumangarh District Hospital. More than 12 farmer leaders were arrested, while dozens surrendered to police.
The protest, largely peaceful for nearly ten months from September 2024 to June 2025, intensified in July after the company began constructing a boundary wall. On December 10, hundreds of farmers again reached the site, damaged the wall, and faced police action. Farmers now demand the cancellation of the Memorandum of Understanding for the ethanol plant, withdrawal of cases against protesters, and action against officials responsible for the clashes.
Meanwhile, the Department of Forest and Environment has formed a committee to assess the potential environmental impact of the plant, including groundwater contamination. The committee, headed by the Bikaner Division Commissioner and including senior officials from the Forest and Environment Department, the Pollution Control Board, and the Groundwater Department, will submit its report to the state government.
Farmer leaders have said the agitation will continue until the construction of the ethanol plant is stopped. Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupendra Yadav was recently briefed on the issue by MPs from Ganganagar and Hanumangarh. The administration has also requisitioned additional police forces from neighbouring districts to prevent any untoward incidents during the Mahapanchayat.
