Gadwal: Farmers and local communities in rural Telangana are protesting against new ethanol factories planned in agricultural areas. Villagers in Chintanur, Narva Mandal and Peddha Dhanwada, Aija Mandal are strongly against these factories being built on fertile land.
This week, when officials including the District Collector and police arrived in Chintanur with materials for the factory site, they faced unexpected protests. Villagers gathered and chanted “We don’t want the ethanol factory,” blocking any progress.
A similar protest happened in Peddha Dhanwada. Women farmers, holding placards, marched near their fields and moved to the proposed site, protesting the farmland being destroyed. They stressed that their livelihood depends on agriculture.
For months, residents have expressed their concerns through public protests and memoranda to authorities. Despite this, officials continue to push the project, claiming it will benefit the farming community and promote green energy.
However, locals doubt these claims. They argue that the real agenda is commercial. They allege large farmland areas have been sold to corporations, not for farmer welfare but for real estate and industrial gains. This reduces their farming land, forcing them to buy expensive food grains as their production declines.
A farmer from Peddha Dhanwada said, “These factories ruin our land and future. Without land, how can we grow food? What will we eat?”
Protesters worry that farming voices are ignored in favor of progress. They argue for prioritizing sustainable agriculture over industrialization. They fear food security will become a crisis if the trend continues, threatening their traditional livelihoods.
As protests grow, the clash between corporate-led projects and community rights intensifies. Farmers’ unions and activists stand with the villagers, demanding the factory plans be canceled.
An activist stated, “This isn’t just local. It’s about agriculture’s future in Telangana. These protests are about survival and saving our fertile lands.”
The situation remains tense, with villagers determined to continue their fight. For them, it’s about protecting their land, food, and dignity.
