Pilibhit: More than 150 cultivators from eight villages in Amaria tehsil have raised objections to a proposed bio-fuel and energy project in Pilibhit’s agriculturally rich region, warning that they would approach the Supreme Court if authorities fail to relocate the unit to wasteland areas.
The facility, planned at Kattaiya Pandri village by Uttarakhand-based Maa Sheetla Ventures Limited, was the subject of a public hearing convened by district magistrate Gyanendra Singh on Thursday. The meeting, organised by the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board, was part of the environmental clearance process required before construction can begin.
Residents raised concerns over groundwater extraction, industrial discharge and atmospheric emissions, arguing that the project could degrade soil quality, contaminate water sources and affect air quality. They said such impacts could endanger crops, orchards and livestock across the surrounding countryside.
Organic farmer highlights pollution risks
Aftab Singh, 30, an organic grower from Bela Pokhra who graduated in Switzerland, claimed bio-fuel units emit acetaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds. He said, “These pollutants contribute to ground-level ozone formation, which can hamper agricultural productivity and damage fruit-bearing trees.”
Manjit Singh Sandhu said fodder crops often absorb contaminants from land and irrigation sources, including heavy metals, excess nutrients and chemical residues. If waste from the proposed unit is not adequately treated, he warned, harmful substances could enter the food chain through cattle feed.
Concerns over river ecosystem
Dr Kuldeep Singh of Bhatsara village expressed concern about the Devha river, which flows near the proposed site. “Any untreated discharge reaching the waterbody could spread across farmlands during floods and threaten aquatic biodiversity, including fish, turtles protected under the Wildlife Protection Act and crocodiles,” he said.
DM Singh assured participants that all concerns would be examined scientifically. Pollution Control Board officials also said compliance with environmental regulations would be closely monitored. However, the assurances failed to satisfy those attending the hearing.
Those opposing the project came from Pandari, Bhatsara, Bela Pokhra, Kattaiya, Kulara, Hardaspur, Birhani and Bhura Kaimore villages. Amaria SDM Mayank Goswami was also present.
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