The Punjab ethanol plant protest in Jahangir village near Dhuri, Sangrur district, turned tense on Wednesday, October 28, after a large police contingent arrived at the site and detained several demonstrators opposing a private ethanol factory.
Those detained reportedly included Simrat Kaur, the wife of former Dhuri MLA Dalvir Singh Goldi. Protesters alleged that police personnel pushed demonstrators and resorted to a lathi-charge during the operation.
Police maintained that their action was intended to comply with court orders and reopen a road that had remained blocked during the prolonged agitation.
Villagers have been holding a continuous sit-in, known as a pakka morcha, for around two months. They allege that the factory’s operations have affected their health, daily lives and surrounding environment.
Villagers Raise Pollution and Groundwater Concerns
Residents have complained about smoke emissions and a foul smell allegedly originating from waste generated during ethanol production using maize. They claim these conditions have made life difficult for people living nearby.
The protesters have also raised concerns about possible groundwater contamination, although the initial report did not provide independent test results confirming such contamination.
Another key grievance is that villagers claim they were not informed when the facility was established that it would be used for ethanol production.
The agitation intensified over the preceding fortnight, with demonstrators blocking a road for approximately 15 days. The factory management subsequently approached the court over the blockade while discussions between protesters and the administration were underway.
Police Reopen Blocked Road, Media Access Restricted
According to the report, police personnel arrived at the protest site around 2 pm on Tuesday and began detaining people present. Lawyer Amandeep Singh Chahal, who was participating in the agitation, alleged that police clashed with protesters and used batons.
The total number of detainees and their current status were not immediately confirmed.
Police also erected barricades on a canal bridge near Jahangir village, preventing journalists and members of the public from proceeding towards the protest site. The reasons for restricting media access remained unclear in the initial report.
SPD Davinder Attri said police had detained individuals disrupting the situation and that the blocked road had been reopened in compliance with court orders.
Environmental Concerns Remain Central to Dispute
The confrontation has sharpened the dispute between villagers, factory management and the administration. While authorities have emphasised enforcing court directions and restoring traffic movement, residents continue to demand action on their pollution and groundwater concerns.
Further clarity is awaited on the allegations of a lathi-charge, the status of those detained and the reasons behind the restrictions on journalists.
The administration’s response to residents’ environmental concerns is likely to remain central to resolving the ongoing standoff.
For official updates, visit the Punjab Government website.
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