Tensions over a proposed waste disposal plant in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar district reached a boiling point following intense grassroots opposition led by Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) chief and Member of Parliament Hanuman Beniwal. The contentious project, earmarked for the Narsinghpur Barani area, prompted local villagers and political supporters to stage a massive gathering on Wednesday. What began as a large public meet escalated late into the night into an indefinite demonstration directly at the Ganeshgarh toll plaza along National Highway 62.
Highway Paralysed as Massive Police Deployment Follows
The sit-in demonstration immediately crippled movement along NH62, which serves as a crucial transit route running through Sri Ganganagar. Thousands of protesters converged at the toll plaza, creating vehicular gridlock that stretched for kilometres and stranded commuters for roughly an hour and a half. Documenting the standoff on the social media platform X, Beniwal posted live updates while harshly criticising the state government and regional authorities for disregarding rural concerns. Alerted to the highway blockade, law enforcement moved swiftly to maintain order, deploying more than 500 police personnel to the spot and effectively turning the surrounding vicinity into a fortified zone.
Late-Night Administrative Negotiations
Faced with a rapidly worsening standoff, senior officials from the district administration arrived at the protest site during the night to defuse the situation. This led to multiple rounds of extended deliberations between administrative officers, Beniwal, and community elders. The villagers remained resolute in their core demand, insisting that under no circumstances would they permit the waste facility to operate in Narsinghpur. Local residents pointed out that operating such a facility would degrade the regional environment and create persistent health hazards for nearby habitations. Backing the locals, Beniwal maintained that the blockade would remain in force until authorities provided an actionable resolution.
Consensus on Panel Formation and 45-Day Deadline
Under immense civic pressure and prolonged talks, administrative officials eventually yielded to the core demand for reconsideration. The administration requested a period of one and a half months, or 45 days, to investigate the entire issue thoroughly and look for alternative, suitable sites for the disposal plant. Officials agreed to establish a dedicated review committee that will explicitly incorporate representatives chosen by the villagers. Following this formal, written guarantee from the administration, Beniwal announced the withdrawal of the highway sit-in. However, he warned that if a formal relocation order is not issued within the agreed timeframe, the community will return with an even fiercer agitation.
