In Rajasthan's Banswara, local residents have launched massive protests against the proposed nuclear power plant. A confrontation occurred between the police and the locals when the police attempted to clear the land for the plant.
Protesters hurled stones at the police, leading to the police responding with baton charges and tear gas shells. The proposed site for the 2800 MW nuclear power plant is in Chhoti Sarwan, Banswara. The residents were being relocated from the area, which sparked the protests.
Reports indicate that despite compensation being offered, the land was not being vacated. To address the issue, police from three districts were deployed at the site to remove the residents.
The foundation stone for the plant was scheduled to be laid in August, prompting the relocation of these families. However, the local residents have been consistently demanding higher compensation and refused to relocate.
Consequently, the administration, with the help of the police, attempted to shift these people today. In response, the villagers protested, blocking the highway.
By morning, a large crowd had gathered at the site. Around 10:30 AM, a significant number of people arrived and began chanting slogans. As the police attempted to disperse the crowd, stone-pelting ensued.
In the incident, QRT personnel Kalpesh Garasia was injured when a stone hit his head. He has been admitted to MG Hospital in Banswara. Additionally, an SHO and a constable also sustained injuries.
Several people, including Bharat Adivasi Party leader Hemant Rana, have been detained. In the protest, local women blocked National Highway 927-A (Banswara-Dungarpur-Ratlam).
When police attempted to remove the women and other protesters, chaos ensued, and some individuals fled to a nearby hill, where they began throwing stones.
According to reports, the displacement began before the demands of the locals were met, leading to their anger. The villagers have stated that they will not relocate until their demands are fulfilled.
SP Harshvardhan Agrawal mentioned that the situation is currently calm and that the police and administration are carrying out their duties.
Before construction of the nuclear power plant begins, around 3,000 people from six villages—Bari, Sajwaniya, Rel, Khandiya Deo, Adibhit, and Katumbi—are set to be displaced.
The government has provided ₹415 crore in compensation for the displacement, in exchange for acquiring 553 hectares of land.
