Raipur : Protesting villagers shave heads against ethanol plant
In Raipur’s Bemetara district, villagers from Patharra staged a peaceful protest against the construction of an ethanol plant, shaving their heads to symbolize their concerns. They argue that the plant will harm agriculture and contribute to pollution in air, water, and soil. Despite official assurances that advanced technology will mitigate pollution, locals remain skeptical. The plant is nearly complete and expected to begin production in November, but the protest continues, reflecting broader environmental and agricultural concerns across the region.
Raipur: On the 21st day of the protest against the establishment of an ethanol plant in the Gram Panchayat of the Bhainsa region in Bemetara district, men from Patharra village shaved their heads in protest in their peaceful demonstration. The protesting villagers argue that the ethanol plant will disrupt agricultural activities and claim that waste is being discharged into water bodies, contributing to pollution in the region.A participant villager and a retired lecturer by profession, Pramil Tiwari told TOI that more than 50 villagers have shaved their heads to express their objections and aggression.
On Saturday, Lala Bharti, District President of the All India Chhattisgarhi Mahasabha and Chairman of the Agriculture Committee, along with his colleagues from the organization, visited the villagers and expressed his support for their protest against the plant.The villagers of patharra have been protesting including men, women, youths, and elderly people voicing concerns over the establishment of ethanol plants in the Bhainsa region, which will have severe impacts over the environment, affecting the air, water, soil, ang agricultural lands, with long term impacts on future generations.
Reports state that 11 ethanol plants are planned for Bemetara district and 29 across the state. Protesters are concerned about where enough paddy will come from to support these plants and are raising concerns and fears about the potential for water and air pollution due to the plants.Villagers in the nearby regions have also complained of the foul odor that emanates from the plant.”Furthermore, the waste discharged into water bodies is contributing to pollution.
Although the collector and other officials claim that steps are being taken to reduce odor and pollution, I personally invite them to visit the area and see firsthand the impact that nearby residents are suffering,” added Tiwari.Construction has already begun on three ethanol plants and one sponge iron facility, with the Patharra ethanol plant expected to start production as early as Nov.With over 90% of the Patharra ethanol plant’s construction completed, govt authorities have assured the community that the technology being used aims to minimize odor and pollution. This will be achieved through a specialized digester system that treats waste and recycles water for use within the facility, said an official.
