Jaisalmer Villagers Protest Cement Factory And Limestone Mining Project Over Water Land
Hundreds of residents in Ramgarh village, Jaisalmer district, have staged a large-scale protest against a proposed cement factory and limestone mining project, arguing that it endangers their homes, ancestral land, water sources, and cultural heritage. Led by the gram panchayat, villagers submitted a formal memorandum to district authorities, demanding the project’s immediate cancellation and raising concerns over environmental approvals granted without genuine community consent.
The protest took place at Hanuman Chowraha, where participants wore black armbands to symbolise their opposition. Community representatives described the project as “a model of destruction disguised as development,” warning that the movement would intensify if authorities ignored their demands. Villagers also submitted their memorandum to the local MLA, urging political intervention.According to residents, the proposed mining area includes ancestral homes, grazing fields, shrines, and burial grounds. Many fear the factory will forcibly displace families, destroy cultural sites, and disrupt agricultural practices. Of particular concern is the loss of grazing lands, as the last remaining commons have reportedly been sold to the company. Villagers emphasised that industrialisation should not come at the cost of their survival or cultural identity.
Water scarcity is another critical issue. The cement factory is expected to consume millions of litres of groundwater, threatening wells, tube wells, and the khadin system, a traditional water harvesting technique essential for farming. Officials said the environmental and social impacts have not been sufficiently addressed, with concerns over long-term sustainability.Health risks linked to cement dust and limestone mining were also highlighted. Villagers warned that air pollution could lead to respiratory diseases such as silicosis, asthma, and cancer, while dust deposition may degrade fertile agricultural land, further jeopardising livelihoods. “Should we push our children to death’s door from birth?” asked one resident, reflecting growing fear over industrial expansion in fragile rural areas.
A gram panchayat administrator noted that the community had unanimously opposed the project during a public hearing in December, yet the auction and approval processes continued. Residents allege that documentation has been manipulated and proper gram sabha consent bypassed, raising questions about governance and transparency in industrial approvals.Urban development experts say such conflicts reflect broader challenges in balancing industrial growth with sustainable, inclusive rural development. “Projects in ecologically sensitive zones require transparent consultation, impact assessment, and community consent,” said an industry analyst.
The villagers have warned of escalating the protest to the state level if authorities fail to act. The Ramgarh standoff highlights the pressing need for development models that respect environmental limits, safeguard water resources, and uphold rural livelihoods while pursuing economic growth.
