Public hearing turns into protest against proposed cement plant
A public hearing organised by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) at Har Raipur village in Bathinda on Monday saw strong opposition from local residents and environmental activists against a proposed private cement plant. The hearing, attended by district administration officials, was marked by heated exchanges and disruptions as villagers raised concerns over environmental and health impacts.
Residents raise health and pollution concerns
Residents from Har Raipur and neighbouring villages alleged that the cement plant would increase air pollution and pose serious health risks to the community. Several speakers, including Manjit Singh, Ranjit Singh, environmental activist Amitoj Mann, Sukhwinder Singh, Lakha Sidhana, and Khushwinder Singh, opposed the project and vowed to continue their protest. They claimed that no proper public announcement had been made before the hearing and that the proposed site is located only about 250 metres from a residential area and a gurdwara, making it unsuitable for an industrial unit.
Procedural disruptions and allegations of forgery
The proceedings were briefly disrupted after protesters questioned the delay in the arrival of Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Gurpreet Singh Thind. When the ADC finally reached the venue, some residents told him that his presence served little purpose after such a prolonged delay. He subsequently left the venue for a short while before returning later to resume the hearing. A former village sarpanch also alleged that his signatures had been forged on documents related to the project.
Opposition recorded and official response
At the end of the hearing, participants raised their hands to register their opposition, and their objections were recorded in the official register maintained by the PPCB. The protest comes days after residents and farmers similarly opposed another proposed private cement plant at Maiserkhana village in Bathinda district. A senior district administration official stated that while industrial development is important for creating employment opportunities, no violations of environmental laws or other rules would be allowed during the establishment of any industry.
