Indefinite fast at Azad Maidan seeks cancellation of Ghugus factory's environmental clearance

An indefinite fast has begun at Azad Maidan in Mumbai against pollution allegedly spreading from a factory in Ghugus, Chandrapur district. The protest began at 11 am on Monday, October 26, 2026. It has been called by the Sanjeevani Paryavaran Samajik Sanstha.

The organisation alleges that the Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited factory in Ghugus is causing large-scale air and water pollution in the area. The protesters demand that the factory's environmental clearance be cancelled and that action be taken against the officials found responsible. The protest is being led by the organisation's founder-president, Rajesh Warluji Bele. Farmers from Usgaon have also joined him.

According to the memorandum submitted by the organisation, smoke from the factory, chemical-laden wastewater and improper disposal of industrial waste are harming nearby farmland, river water, people's health and the lives of animals and birds. It specifically alleges that chemical-laden wastewater is being released into a drain at Usgaon, which is polluting the water of the Wardha river further downstream and causing heavy damage to crops.

The protesters have questioned the report on the samples taken by Maharashtra Pollution Control Board officials during a spot inspection. They have demanded a high-level inquiry into the entire matter. The demand has been made through the memorandum to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Environment Minister Pankaja Munde, Pollution Control Board member secretary Rahul Rekhawar and Chandrapur District Collector Vasumati Pant.

It is said that repeated memorandums were earlier submitted to the administration but no concrete action was taken. Farmers from Usgaon, including Mohandas Dhonduji Rajurkar, Waman Bapuji Rajurkar, Bandu Dhonduji Rajurkar, Ramratan Bapuji Rajurkar and Nitesh Pandurang Thauri, have announced that the fast will continue until justice is done.

The organisers have appealed to farmers, social workers and environment enthusiasts to join the protest in large numbers.