Rajasthan: Clash Over Nuclear Power Plant Intensifies - Villagers and Police Face Off with Stones and Tear Gas

Banswara- Tensions remained high for hours in Banswara's Chhoti Sarwan village on Friday, where a confrontation between police and villagers escalated into violence. Villagers threw stones at the police, who responded with tear gas shelling and aerial firing to control the mob.

The conflict occurred near Pratap Dairy in the village, located in the Danpur block, where land has been acquired for the plant. Displaced families and other locals clashed with police, resulting in injuries and aggressive responses.

The police administration anticipated the villagers' protests, so a large contingent from three districts was deployed this morning to carry out the action. They began the process of relocating the affected individuals to safer locations. The protest erupted during this process. The power plant is scheduled to start construction in September, prompting the administration to expedite the displacement process.

During the altercation, villagers pelted stones at the police, injuring two officers. In retaliation, the police used tear gas canisters and fired warning shots to disperse the crowd. They also conducted a baton charge to control the situation. Some men and women were detained and transported to the local police station.

The proposed 2800 MW nuclear power plant in Pratap Dairy has led to the displacement of local residents. Despite compensation, many villagers have refused to vacate the land. The administration and police had arrived at the plant site the previous night to remove the occupants, but faced significant resistance.

On Friday morning, police from three districts were deployed to evict the residents and begin construction of the plant's boundary walls. The confrontation resulted in significant unrest, with police and administrative officials, including District Collector Dr. Indrajeet Yadav, SP Harshvardhan Agrwala, ASP Rajesh Bhardwaj, and DSP Surya Veer Singh, overseeing the operation. Over 200 police personnel were stationed at the site to manage the situation.

Banswara-Dungarpur MP Rajkumar Roat urged the district administration to listen to the demands of the villagers peacefully and move forward to resolve the issue. " They should not be removed forcefully. The local villagers are also requested to maintain peace" Roat said.