A meeting at a deputy collector office was cancelled in the Rajula taluka of Amreli today due to a strong protest by the farmers and residents against the copper refinery and a fertiliser plant in the region.

According to sources, a meeting of district officials was held in the deputy collector's office in Rajula. However, a strong protest from the residents resulted in the cancellation of the meeting.

The villages of Rajula and Jafrabad talukas, including Nageshree, Kagvadar, Mithapar, Sarovada, Kanthariya Koli, Balanivav, Vandh, Lunsapur, and Kovaya have been conducting such protests against these new establishments.

According to the protestors, the land in the 20 km radius of these plants would not be suitable for agriculture after the establishments. Moreover, in both the talukas, the wildlife population would be affected.

The lions, leopards, hyenas, and jackals in these areas are likely to be affected by the plants, suggested the protestors.

If the voice of the people is unheard, the farmers of both talukas will oppose the plants and will not vote in the upcoming elections, said the protesting farmers.

The final call on the location of this copper refinery and fertiliser plant is scheduled on Mar 13 through a public hearing.

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