Tensions escalated in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh, as villagers protested against limestone quarry sampling linked to a proposed cement factory. The incident occurred in Kheladi village, where a cement producer’s team was conducting sampling without prior consent. Enraged residents vandalized machinery, vehicles, and clashed with police and officials present at the site.
The unrest extended to nearby constituencies, with opposition reported in Gandhwani and Jobat, spanning Dhar and Alirajpur districts. The protests are against drilling for limestone seen as infringing on tribal rights protected under laws like the Forest Rights Act and PESA. Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar condemned the actions, vowing support for the villagers’ cause against coercion on tribal lands.
Environmentalists and tribal advocates warn of the adverse impacts of mining projects on agricultural lands, communities, and ecosystems in the region. The incident highlights the conflict between industrial development, environmental concerns, and indigenous rights in Madhya Pradesh. Calls for genuine consultation and stricter enforcement of protective laws have been reignited to prevent further escalation in tribal areas.
