On 15 February 2026, farmers and villagers protesting the construction of a proposed dumping ground in Mirpur Hindu village near Tronica City in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, clashed with police, leading to a lathi charge and multiple injuries. Protesters claim they were opposing the establishment of a solid waste management plant and instead want the land to be used for a school or hospital.
Police allege that sections of the crowd pelted stones and damaged property, prompting them to disperse the gathering. Several villagers and some police personnel were reportedly injured, and authorities have since deployed additional forces to maintain order.
Clash Over Proposed Waste Plant
Residents gathered near the project site to voice concerns that the proposed dumping ground would negatively affect public health and the local environment. According to protesters, they had assembled to submit a memorandum demanding that the land be allocated for essential community infrastructure such as healthcare or education facilities.
However, tensions escalated when police claimed some individuals attempted to breach barricades and threw stones. Officials stated that the lathi charge was carried out to control the situation and prevent further violence. Local accounts suggest dozens of villagers sustained injuries, including women, and some individuals were detained for questioning.
Rising Tensions Around Land Use
The incident highlights ongoing tensions in parts of Ghaziabad over land acquisition and waste management infrastructure. Residents argue that their concerns about sanitation, pollution and declining living standards have not been adequately addressed. Authorities, on the other hand, maintain that proper waste management systems are necessary for urban development and public hygiene. Police officials have said that the situation is now under control and security has been tightened in the area to prevent further clashes.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that development must go hand in hand with dialogue, transparency and empathy. While civic infrastructure such as waste management is essential, so is the trust and consent of local communities who are directly affected. The use of force during protests often deepens mistrust and leaves lasting scars on both sides. Meaningful consultation, environmental safeguards and open communication are critical to ensuring that progress does not come at the cost of people’s dignity and well-being.
How can authorities and communities collaborate to create solutions that prioritise both sustainable development and social harmony?
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