Villagers attack survey team in Dhar:Protest erupts against Limestone Mine project, stone-pelted at Tehsildar and police

Tension erupted in Talawadi village under Kukshi police station in Dhar district after villagers allegedly attacked an administrative team that had arrived to survey a proposed limestone mine. Stone-pelting targeted the Tehsildar’s vehicle as well as several police and administrative vehicles, many of which were damaged. Videos circulating from the scene show members of the crowd attempting to overturn the Tehsildar’s vehicle. Protesters claim that the proposed limestone mining and cement plant would render their agricultural land barren and increase the risk of displacement. Heavy police deployment fails to calm situation According to officials, villagers have been protesting for several months against the proposed limestone mine and cement factory. The administrative team had reached the village to carry out drilling and survey work, accompanied by police personnel from nine police stations as a precautionary measure. See pictures related to stone-pelting- Despite the security presence, a large number of villagers, including women, gathered at the site and began demonstrating. They sat on the road and blocked the police and administrative convoy. The situation quickly escalated, with protesters pelting stones at official vehicles and machinery. As tensions intensified, the authorities decided to withdraw without completing the survey. A tense atmosphere continues to prevail in the area. Protest over mining and cement plant Villagers argue that the establishment of a cement factory following limestone extraction would severely affect agricultural land and threaten livelihoods. Residents from several villages in the Kukshi, Bagh and Jobat blocks have joined the protest, citing fears of environmental degradation and displacement. Land leased to Shree Cement company According to local residents, the Mineral Department has leased 913 hectares in Bamnabaydi village and 815 hectares across Takari, Talawadi and Ghoda villages in the Kukshi area to Shree Cement, a Rajasthan-based firm. The three-year limestone mining lease is effective from 11 March 2025. Villagers state that they had earlier opposed drilling activities by the company. Earlier road blockade and assurances Protesters said a previous road blockade was staged at Vijay Stambh Chauraha in Kukshi, after which the administration temporarily halted drilling. During that period, Collector Priyanka Mishra visited Mogra village and held discussions with residents. Villagers claim the Collector assured them that no work would proceed without the consent of public representatives and the local community. However, they allege that the mining process is now being advanced without such approval. ‘Fight for water, forest and land’ Raviraj Baghel, State Executive President of JAYS, criticised the administration, stating that a drilling team was sent despite prior assurances. He questioned why police force was used and declared that the organisation would continue to fight within the legal framework for ‘water, forest and land.’