Fearing land acquisition, farmers oppose proposed cement plant in Hoshiarpur

Farm leaders, Nihang Sikhs’ groups, local panchayats, social activists and other residents united in protest against the proposed Ambuja Cement Ltd. plant in Hoshiarpur. A large meeting held in Raniyala village led to the formation of the “Paun Pani Morcha” to oppose the project.

During the meeting, leaders criticised the Punjab Government and the District Administration for their support of the Ambuja Cement. Harbhajan Singh Bajwa, vice president of Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Doaba, condemned the collusion between political leaders, administrative officials and corporate entities.

He stated that Punjab was suffering at various levels, and the actions of the government were unjust.

Jasveer Singh Chela, a farmer leader, emphasised that efforts to displace people for the factory in the agricultural area of Saila Khurd would not succeed. Tarsem Singh Jassowal, spokesperson for the Environment Protection Struggle Committee, alleged that the Ambuja Cement factory was violating environmental regulations without facing any intervention from the authorities.

Gurmukh Singh Sodhi, an activist, expressed the resolve of the people of Punjab to prevent such conspiracies, highlighting their growing awareness about pollution.

RTI activist Parvinder Singh Kittna called for clarity from local leaders, particularly Garhshankar MLA Jai Singh Rouri, about their stance on the factory.

Kittna pointed out that during a public hearing on the factory, the MLA had remained silent when asked to clarify his position on the matter.

The meeting was attended by several influential local figures.