The Sri Ganganagar district administration in Rajasthan has agreed to explore alternative sites for a proposed solid waste management plant after Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) supremo and Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal led a massive overnight agitation at the Ganeshgarh toll plaza on National Highway 62 on Wednesday-Thursday night, 1 October 2026. The administration sought 45 days to constitute a review committee and examine alternative locations — a written assurance that prompted Beniwal to call off the indefinite sit-in.

How the Protest Unfolded

The agitation followed a Mahapanchayat — a grand public meeting — held in the area late Wednesday night, after which thousands of villagers and supporters marched to the Ganeshgarh toll plaza and launched an indefinite blockade. The proposed plant is slated for the Narsinghpura Barani area of Sri Ganganagar district, and residents have consistently raised alarms over potential environmental pollution and its impact on surrounding farmland and habitations.

Traffic on NH-62 — a key arterial route in northern Rajasthan — ground to a standstill for nearly an hour and a half, with long queues of vehicles reportedly building up in both directions. More than 500 police personnel were deployed at the site to maintain law and order, underscoring the scale of the demonstration.

Rounds of Talks and the Written Assurance

As the blockade held, senior district officials reached the toll plaza and entered into several rounds of negotiations with Beniwal. Protesters maintained a firm position: the waste plant must not come up in Narsinghpura. Beniwal indicated that the sit-in would continue until the administration delivered a concrete, written commitment.

After hours of discussions, officials agreed to constitute a committee within 45 days to examine the matter, with representatives from the affected village reportedly set to be included. Upon receiving the assurance in writing, Beniwal formally announced the withdrawal of the protest.

What Beniwal Said

Hanuman Beniwal also shared updates from the protest on X and criticised the state government and local administration over the proposed plant, according to reports. He framed the agitation as a fight for the environmental rights of residents in the region.

The Warning That Remains

The suspension of the protest does not signal a resolution. Protesters have warned that if a decision to relocate the proposed plant is not taken within the 45-day window, the agitation could be resumed — and intensified. The dispute reflects a broader pattern across Rajasthan and other states, where solid waste infrastructure projects frequently encounter community resistance over siting decisions made without adequate local consultation.

The formation and functioning of the review committee, and whether the village representatives are genuinely included, will determine whether the administration can close the issue before the deadline expires.