The Rajasthan government has moved swiftly ahead of a proposed farmers’ mahapanchayat by setting up a committee to examine concerns related to the construction of an ethanol plant in Hanumangarh district.
In response to objections raised over the ethanol factory proposed at Rathi Kheda Chak 5 R.K. village in Tibbi tehsil, the Department of Forests, Environment and Climate Change has constituted a five-member panel to assess possible impacts on groundwater and the environment. The committee will be headed by the Divisional Commissioner of Bikaner and will include the Special Secretary and Member Secretary of the Forests, Environment and Climate Change Department, the District Collector of Hanumangarh, senior environmental engineer Arvind Agarwal from the Pollution Control Board, and Chief Engineer of the Groundwater Department, Surajbhan.
The panel has been tasked with submitting its findings to the Additional Chief Secretary of the Environment and Climate Change Department. Its mandate will remain in force until the report is completed and submitted.
Meanwhile, in anticipation of public gatherings, the district administration has imposed prohibitory orders across Hanumangarh. District Collector and District Magistrate Khushal Yadav issued orders enforcing restrictions within the district’s revenue limits to ensure law and order.
With prohibitory measures in place, the administration has tightened security arrangements. Section 163 has been enforced, prohibiting unauthorised assemblies and processions. Officials have warned that strict action will be taken against anyone violating the orders.
The restrictions also include a complete ban on carrying weapons or sticks, as well as on raising provocative slogans, delivering inflammatory speeches, or spreading objectionable propaganda. Authorities have said they are closely monitoring social media activity, regulating tractor movements, and ensuring that religious places are not misused for mobilisation or protests.
