A powerful coalition of farmers has issued a stern 20-day ultimatum to the Rajasthan government, demanding the scrapping of a proposed ethanol project in Hanumangarh district. The protest, gaining significant momentum, warns of escalated agitation if the project is not cancelled.
Mahapanchayat Sets Deadline for Government
The demand to shelve the planned ethanol facility at Rathikhera village in Tibbi tehsil was amplified during a large mahapanchayat held near the deputy commissioner's office on Wednesday. The protest was backed by the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body representing over 200 farm groups.
The protesters have given the state administration 20 days to cancel the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed for the project. The plant is proposed to be set up by Dune Ethanol Private Limited, a company based in Chandigarh. If the demand is not met, the farmers have announced they will organise another major mahapanchayat in Hanumangarh on January 7, 2026.
Due to persistent opposition from local farmers, the project is currently on hold. Under pressure from the protests, Rajasthan authorities have assured that they will look into the farmers' concerns. The project proponent has also announced that it will not proceed with any activity until the issues are resolved.
Cross-Border Solidarity and Environmental Fears
The protest has seen solidarity from farmers beyond Rajasthan's borders. Joginder Singh Ugrahan, president of BKU (Ekta-Ugrahan), stated that Punjab farmers are fully supporting their Rajasthan counterparts. He highlighted severe risks associated with the plant, stating it would "contaminate food and pose serious health risks to humans and animals, apart from contaminating water and air quality." He cited the example of Zira, where similar issues were witnessed, alleging that ethanol plants push waste into groundwater.
SKM leader Rakesh Tikait also affirmed the support of the wider farmer community for the protesting Rajasthan farmers. The proposed project involves a 1320 KLPD grain-based ethanol plant along with a 40 MW co-generation power plant on nearly 40 acres of land.
Long-Standing Opposition and Activist Detentions
Local resistance to the plant has been organised for months. Villagers and farmers formed a committee named "Factory Bhajao, Area Bachao Sangharsh Committee" in August 2024 to oppose the project. Their primary allegations are that the plant will lead to groundwater depletion, soil and water contamination, and air pollution. They fear these effects will negatively impact public health, reduce crop yields, and threaten the long-term viability of farming in the region.
The movement has faced friction with authorities. On November 18 and December 10, 2025, a number of activists were detained by police following protests against the project. Despite these actions, the farmers' resolve appears to have strengthened, culminating in the recent ultimatum that sets the stage for a potential major confrontation in early 2026 if their demands are ignored.
