Villagers protest against ethanol plant in Telangana’s Gadwal, damage worksite

Villagers from Rajoli mandal damaging make-shift tents in Dhanwada village on Wednesday (June 4, 2025) opposing setting up of ethanol plant in Jogulamba Gadwal district. | Photo Credit: By Arrangement

High drama unfolded in Pedda Dhanwada village of Rajoli mandal, Jogulamba Gadwal district, on Wednesday (June 4, 2025) after villagers staged a protest against the setting up of an ethanol plant. The situation took a turn when demonstrators stormed the worksite, damaging tents and smashing the windscreens of earth movers.

Gayathri Renewable Fuels and Allied Industries Private Limited, which is registered in Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh, had begun groundwork for the project after securing clearances last year. Sources from local police said the ethanol unit, categorised as a renewable energy project, does not require Gram Sabha consent under existing norms. The firm had also reportedly acquired land from one or two farmers through legal channels.

The villagers claimed that the plant will harm their crops and the surrounding ecosystem. Tensions reached a boiling point when they arrived from all directions, surrounded the site and dismantled temporary make-shift shelters meant for security personnel and daily wage workers.

Jogulamba Gadwal Superintendent of Police T. Srinivas Rao said they advised the company to vacate the area due to the charged atmosphere. “Though the company was only setting up preliminary infrastructure, we asked them to leave. Villagers damaged tents and earth movers. There was no confrontation between police and protestors. The situation is now under control and peaceful,” he said, adding that cases would be filed against those responsible for the destruction. No injuries were reported. Police teams remain deployed in the area to prevent further unrest.

Published - June 04, 2025 01:35 pm IST