Thousands of farmers from Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana converged in a massive show of strength on Wednesday, vehemently opposing the establishment of a proposed ethanol factory in the Tibbi Tehsil of Hanumangarh district. The 'mahapanchayat', held at Dhan Mandi, saw participation from prominent farmer leaders including Rakesh Tikait, who vowed to continue the agitation until the project is scrapped.
Massive Gathering and Strong Demands
Approximately 7,000 protesting farmers expressed grave concerns that the factory, proposed by a Chandigarh-based company, would lead to severe pollution and contaminate the crucial groundwater resources in the region. The farmers' core demands are clear: the complete cancellation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the ethanol plant, the withdrawal of cases filed against over 800 farmers, and action against officials responsible for recent clashes at the site.
The protest has been simmering for months, intensifying in July when the company began constructing a boundary wall. Tensions escalated recently when, on December 10, farmers assembled in large numbers at the Tibbi SDM office and later moved to the factory site, where they demolished the boundary wall, leading to clashes with police personnel.
Heavy Security and Symbolic Resolve
In anticipation of the large gathering, the administration deployed a significant security force. More than 1,400 police personnel were on duty to maintain law and order, with additional forces called in from the Bikaner division and police headquarters. As a precautionary measure, internet services were suspended in the district, and Section 163 of the CrPC was invoked.
Addressing the gathered farmers, Bharatiya Kisan Union spokesperson Rakesh Tikait framed the protest as a battle for environmental survival. He advised protesters to keep their "tractor bumpers strong," symbolizing readiness for a long struggle. Tikait countered accusations of opposing development, stating, "We want to tell them that wherever the factory is built, the land, air, and water will be polluted. This factory is equivalent to 14 factories." He assured that the Samyukta Kisan Morcha stands firmly with the Tibbi struggle committee.
Administrative Response and Next Steps
Following a two-hour discussion with the administration, the mahapanchayat was concluded for the day. A significant development from the talks was the formation of a high-level committee to investigate the potential environmental impact. The committee will be headed by the Bikaner Division Commissioner, with the Special Secretary of Forest and Environment as the member secretary. Other members include the Hanumangarh District Collector, senior environmental engineers from the Pollution Control Board, and the chief engineer of the Groundwater Department.
Farmer leader Jagjit Singh stated that they have agreed to wait for the committee's report. He also highlighted their demand for the withdrawal of FIRs, noting that officials have written to the state government on the matter. However, the farmers' resolve remains firm. Another mahapanchayat has been scheduled for January 7 in Sangaria, indicating that the movement is preparing for a prolonged engagement until their demands are met.
