Rajasthan Administration Agrees to Explore Alternative Site for Sri Ganganagar Waste Plant After Protest

Hanuman Beniwal led the agitation at the Ganeshgarh toll plaza on National Highway 62 on Wednesday night after villagers and supporters opposed the proposed plant in the Narsinghpura Barani area. The protest disrupted traffic on the highway for around 90 minutes, while a large police contingent was deployed at the spot.

After several rounds of discussions between Beniwal and senior administrative officials, the administration sought 45 days to examine the proposal and identify possible alternative sites. A committee is expected to be formed for the exercise, with representatives of the affected village likely to be included. Beniwal ended the sit-in after receiving the assurance in writing.

The dispute had intensified following a Mahapanchayat held in the Narsinghpura-Birani area, where villagers reiterated their opposition to the proposed solid waste management facility. Residents have raised concerns about the possible impact of the plant on the surrounding environment and nearby areas.

The issue has been under contention for several months. The administration had earlier proposed Narsinghpura Barani as an alternative site for the municipal solid waste processing plant after work at a previously identified location in Netewala could not begin amid local opposition.

Following the Mahapanchayat, Beniwal and his supporters moved towards NH-62 after talks with officials failed to produce an immediate resolution. Police stopped the group near the toll plaza, where the RLP leader and protesters subsequently staged a sit-in.

More than 500 police personnel were deployed in the area as officials held discussions with the protesters and Beniwal to defuse the situation.

The administration eventually agreed to constitute a committee and take around one and a half months to assess the issue and look for an alternative location. The written assurance led Beniwal to call off the protest.

Protesters, however, said the agitation could resume if the administration does not arrive at a decision on relocating the plant within the 45-day period.

The latest development brings a temporary halt to the confrontation, while the proposed location and possible alternatives are now set to be examined by the administration and the committee.