Hyderabad

Following intense protests from villagers in Telangana’s Nirmal district, the state government has ordered a halt to the construction of an ethanol factory. District Collector Abhilasha Abhinav instructed the suspension of work and urged protestors to end their demonstration.

The decision came after two consecutive days of protests by residents of Dilawarpur mandal, who opposed the factory’s construction. The Collector, who had met with the protesters, assured them that the issue would be escalated to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for further action.

The protest, which turned violent, saw villagers blocking the Nirmal-Bhainsa highway and threatening self-harm to stop the factory. Some protestors even attacked police officers, injuring several. The villagers argued that the ethanol plant would harm their crops, livelihood, and the local environment. They also expressed frustration that elected officials were not supporting their cause.

In response, the government is reassessing the approval given to the private company to establish the plant under the previous BRS administration. A final decision will be made to address the concerns of the villagers, including the possibility of canceling the permit.

The protests also led to an incident where the Nirmal RDO’s vehicle was vandalized and set on fire. The police have charged 23 individuals in connection with the damage.