Villagers in Kandhala Guru, a village in Jalandhar district, Punjab, protested against the construction of a private Bio-CNG plant in their village on Sunday.
Opposing the plant, the villagers claimed it is being built without prior approval from the village panchayat and could cause environmental issues in the surrounding areas.
The villagers fear that the pollutants from the factory pose significant threats to their soil, water, and air quality.
Des Raj, a panchayat member, said the plant is being constructed on eight acres of village land. The villagers are worried that the pollutants emitted by the factory will contaminate their soil, water, and air, putting their health at risk. They urged immediate action to prevent the factory's operation.
"The villagers thought that the private players had acquired the land for developing real estate but later we came to know about the bio-CNG plant. We have submitted representations to concerned authorities multiple times to stop the plant’s construction but no one paid heed to our demand. Now, the plant is set to start its operations in the coming days and we would not allow this", Raj stated.
In response to the protests, local bodies Minister Balkar Singh, along with district administration officials, visited Kandhala Guru to meet with the villagers. Meeting them, he assured the protesters that the factory would not be allowed to operate, alleviating some of the concerns of the villagers.
"We will take necessary steps to stop the factory from commencing operations. The matter will be taken with higher-ups in state government to find a permanent solution", he cited.
The government's assurance has brought temporary relief, but the villagers remain vigilant, determined to protect their environment and health.
