India, June 18 -- Villagers from Maiserkhana and surrounding areas in Bathinda district on Wednesday voiced strong opposition to a proposed 3-million-tonne-per-annum (TPA) cement manufacturing plant during a public hearing conducted by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB).

Led by a group of environmental activists from Ludhiana, Faridkot, Rupnagar, Bathinda and Ferozepur, villagers assembled at a public hearing hosted by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) to gather suggestions and objections regarding a proposed 3-million-tonne-per-annum (TPA) cement plant.

Management of the factory purchased 66 acres of land last year, located adjacent to the railway line.

Villagers flagged alleged procedural lapses committed by the cement...