Hanumangarh, Rajasthan — December 10, 2025
A large-scale protest in Rathi Kheda (Tibbi region) against the construction of the Dune Ethanol Private Limited plant escalated into violence on Wednesday. What began as a Mahapanchayat turned into clashes with security forces, resulting in property damage, injuries, and an internet shutdown across several villages.
Boundary Wall Demolished and Vehicles Torched
Following the Mahapanchayat, hundreds of farmers and villagers marched to the factory site. Protesters used tractors and heavy farm machinery to pull down sections of the factory’s boundary wall. During the unrest, several vehicles—including government, police, and private vehicles—were set on fire, causing significant damage and raising tensions further.
Police Response: Tear Gas and Lathi-Charge
In an effort to control the crowd, police personnel fired tear-gas shells and carried out a lathi-charge. Multiple injuries were reported on both sides, including civilians and police officials. Local legislator Abhimanyu Poonia was injured in the clashes and was admitted to the district hospital in Hanumangarh for treatment.
Administration Imposes Heavy Security and Internet Suspension
Authorities, citing the need to maintain law and order, deployed more than 500 additional police officers to Tibbi and nearby villages. Checkpoints and barricades were set up at key access routes, and movement in and out of sensitive areas was restricted.
To limit the spread of rumors and prevent further mobilization, the district administration also suspended mobile data and broadband services across several villages near the protest site. Schools, shops, and markets remained closed as residents stayed indoors amid uncertainty.
Why Farmers Are Protesting
Farmers and local residents have long opposed the ethanol plant, raising concerns about potential impacts on groundwater, soil health, air quality, and public health. Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for many families in Hanumangarh, and villagers fear long-term damage to their fields and income sources.
Although protests had been generally peaceful for more than a year, the commencement of construction work led to renewed anger and intensified demonstrations.
Key Concerns Raised by Protesters
- Groundwater depletion and contamination — fears that industrial water use and waste could reduce both quantity and quality of local water sources.
- Soil and crop contamination — concerns about chemical discharge or dust affecting crop yields and soil fertility.
- Air pollution and public health — risk of emissions affecting respiratory health, especially for children and the elderly.
- Threat to agricultural livelihoods — potential long-term loss of income and food security for farming families.
Factory Management’s Position
Dune Ethanol Pvt. Ltd. has defended the project, stating the plant will use Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) technology to ensure that no contaminated wastewater leaves the site. The company has also claimed that industrial by-products such as ash will be repurposed as fertilizers and that the plant will provide employment and procurement benefits to local farmers.
Despite these assurances, local communities remain unconvinced and have demanded formal guarantees and environmental safeguards from authorities.
Protesters’ Demand
Residents have demanded either an immediate halt to construction or relocation of the factory to a non-agricultural zone. They have requested a written guarantee that their water, soil, and health will not be compromised.
Current Situation and Possible Outcomes
The area remains tense with a significant police presence. Authorities say they are monitoring the situation closely and are prepared for further action if needed. Protest leaders have warned that the movement could escalate if no meaningful dialogue or written assurances are provided.
Short-term outcomes may include negotiation and a formal review by environmental authorities, while long-term solutions could require relocation planning, stronger environmental safeguards, or legal intervention depending on government response.
Impact on Local Life
The internet shutdown and ongoing closures have disrupted daily life—students, shopkeepers, farmers, and local businesses face uncertainty. Emergency services have urged calm, and district officials have asked residents to cooperate while security operations are underway.
Background: Timeline of the Dispute
- ~15 months prior: Local opposition begins with peaceful protests and community meetings.
- Months: Repeated appeals to local authorities and petitions filed by residents and farmer groups.
- Recent weeks: Construction activity at the site intensifies, prompting renewed protests.
- Today: Large Mahapanchayat leads to violent clashes, property damage, injuries, and internet suspension.
What Authorities and Observers Say
District officials have emphasized the need for calm while stating that the construction has followed legal procedures. Environmental NGOs and observers have called for an independent environmental impact assessment (EIA) and for transparent public consultations to address community concerns.
How This Affects the Wider Region
The Hanumangarh incident highlights broader tensions in India between industrial development and agrarian communities. Similar disputes have occurred elsewhere where industrial projects are proposed near agricultural zones—raising questions about land use policy, environmental governance, and community consent.
Editorial Note
This report is based on verified on-ground reports from the Tibbi region and statements from local authorities and community representatives as of December 10, 2025. The situation remains fluid; readers are advised to check updates from local authorities and trusted media outlets.
HanumangarhTibbiDune EthanolFarmers ProtestRajasthan