Hyderabad: Miled tension gripped Pedda Dhanwada village in Rajoli mandal of Jogulamba Gadwal district on Wednesday as large number of villagers launched a protest against the construction of an ethanol plant, leading to a dramatic confrontation at the project site.
The protest escalated when angry villagers stormed the site, tore down temporary shelters, and broke the windscreens of earth movers stationed there. The ethanol plant is being developed by Gayathri Renewable Fuels and Allied Industries Private Limited, a company based in Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh. The company had begun initial groundwork for the plant after receiving official approvals last year.
According to local police, the ethanol facility is classified as a renewable energy project and does not require consent from the village council under current regulations. The firm had also reportedly acquired land from one or two farmers through legal channels.
As per the news report, villagers, however, expressed fears that the plant would damage their crops and harm the local environment. As tensions rose, large groups of residents surrounded the site from multiple directions and dismantled structures meant to house security staff and workers.
Jogulamba Gadwal Superintendent of Police T. Srinivas Rao said the police advised the company to withdraw from the site due to the tense situation. “Though the company was only setting up initial infrastructure, we asked them to leave. Villagers damaged tents and machinery, but there was no clash between police and protestors. The situation is currently peaceful,” he said. He added that cases would be filed against those involved in the vandalism.
No injuries were reported, and police teams continue to monitor the area to maintain order.
