3 min readJaipurMar 24, 2026 07:16 AM IST
Protesters gathered outside the District Collectorate of Rajasthan’s Kotputli-Behror district on Monday in an escalation of the protests at Jodhpura village against the environmental impact of a cement plant in the area. The Jodhpura Sangharsh Samiti, which is leading the protests, expressed anger over the district administration’s alleged failure to comply with directives issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) regarding the issue.
The Sangharsh Samiti’s president, Kailash Yadav, said: “NGT had delivered its decision on November 3, 2025, directing the district collector to ensure compliance within three months. However, even after the deadline has passed, no action has been taken. On February 22, members of the committee undertook a foot march to meet the Chief Minister during the Assembly session to press for enforcement of the NGT’s orders, but were stopped by police and made to sign a written agreement in which they assured compliance within a week. This assurance also remains unfulfilled.”
The Central Zone Bench of the NGT had ordered the Rajasthan government to set up a committee to rehabilitate the entire village, holding the cement plant responsible for environmental damage and health hazards there. Despite the ruling, which came after a three-year-long struggle for the village, residents claim not much has changed on the ground.
Addressing a press conference, District Collector Priyanka Goswami said the district administration has provided medical facilities and adequate compensation as per the orders of the NGT.
“There are a few other complaints regarding the sound and air pollution from the cement factory. According to the NGT, there should be 500 metres of distance between the village and the factory. Another survey has been done by the Directorate General of Mines and Safety, and on this basis, points have been noted down. Villagers have protested that they were not taken into confidence during the survey, so we will soon visit the villagers… The State Pollution Control Board has also been asked to conduct its report regarding air pollution,” said Goswami.
Yadav told The Indian Express that complaints regarding the issue have been submitted to the Collector, ADM Omprakash Saharan, and SDM Ramavtar Meena.
Meanwhile, members of the Jodhpura Sangharsh Samiti have intensified efforts to mobilise support, organising street-corner meetings across villages and distributing pamphlets to rally people for the demonstration.
Story continues below this ad
On Monday, the protesters geared up to stage an all-night protest.
UltraTech Cement Ltd, which runs the plant, has earlier told The Indian Express that it has followed all regulatory requirements. “We wish to clarify that the mining operations at the said area are being done following all regulatory requirements. Our mining operations are being conducted in full compliance with the statutory permissions,” the company said.
