Hanumangarh Ethanol Factory: Hanumangarh Farmers Win Against Ethanol Factory; Company Decides to Relocate

In a significant development from Hanumangarh, Rajasthan, the management of the proposed ethanol factory has made a major decision following persistent protests, arson, and vandalism by local farmers. The company has announced its decision not to establish the ethanol factory in Tibbi, Hanumangarh. This move is being hailed as a substantial victory for the farmers who had been vehemently opposing the project. On top of that, the company management has openly questioned the state government's 'Rising Rajasthan' initiative, expressing doubts about how investment can be attracted to a state where such incidents occur.

Background of the Protest

The ethanol factory, slated for construction in Tibbi, Hanumangarh, had been a point of contention for local farmers and villagers for a considerable period. Their primary objection stemmed from the apprehension that the factory's operations would lead to increased water pollution in the area. Farmers feared that this pollution would adversely affect their agricultural lands and groundwater resources, directly impacting their livelihoods and the region's ecological balance. Driven by these serious concerns, the farmers had initiated a sustained campaign of opposition, staging. Numerous sit-ins and organizing two 'Mahapanchayats' to strategize and consolidate their efforts against the factory.

Violent Incidents and Demands

The protests escalated into violent incidents on December 10, following a Mahapanchayat held in Tibbi concerning the ethanol factory. After the assembly, when farmers and local residents marched towards the factory premises, police administration attempted to stop them. This intervention led to the farmers and villagers becoming agitated, resulting in widespread vandalism and arson at the ethanol factory site. Numerous vehicles, both inside and outside the factory premises, were set on fire, and many others were extensively damaged. In the aftermath of these events, the farmers put forth two key demands: the cancellation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the proposed ethanol factory in Rathi Khera, Tibbi, and the withdrawal of all cases filed against the protesting farmers.

Government Intervention and Committee Formation

Responding to the violent incidents of arson and vandalism at the factory, the state government formed a high-level committee to address the situation. The committee's primary mandate was to thoroughly study the objections raised by the farmers and investigate the concerns regarding potential water pollution. The committee comprised several key officials, including the Special Secretary of the Forest and Environment Department, the Hanumangarh Collector, Senior Engineer of the Pollution Control Board Arvind Agarwal, and the Chief Engineer of the Ground Water Department Surajbhan. The formation of this committee underscored the state government's recognition of the. Gravity of the farmers' concerns and the need for an official inquiry.

Legal Actions Against Farmers and Future Strategy

Following the violent incidents, law enforcement authorities took action, detaining several farmers and filing First Information Reports (FIRs) against more than 100 individuals. In response to these legal actions and to reiterate their demands, farmers convened another Mahapanchayat on December 17 in Dhanmandi. During this assembly, the farmers presented their demands to the administration and issued a 20-day ultimatum for their fulfillment, while they also warned that if their demands weren't met within this period, a massive Mahapanchayat would be organized on January 7 in Sangaria, expected to draw thousands of farmers and local residents. This demonstrated the farmers' unwavering resolve and collective strength.

Company's Future Plans and Criticism

After continuous protests, violent incidents, and legal proceedings, the company management has ultimately decided that the ethanol factory won't be established in Rathi Khera, Tibbi, while the company has explicitly stated its intention to now set up this factory in another state outside Rajasthan. According to the company management, they're receiving numerous proposals from other states that are offering a more conducive environment for investment. In light of these events, the company once again criticized the state government's 'Rising Rajasthan' initiatives, questioning how investment can be attracted to a state where investors face such opposition and violent incidents, while this incident could potentially spark a significant debate on the investment climate in Rajasthan.