A protester is in critical condition and an injured officer has been airlifted from the scene by helicopter as police clash with thousands of people opposed to plans for a large water reservoir in France.
Several people were injured in the clashes that took place in the western commune of Sainte-Soline.
Two demonstrators were seriously injured, including one who is in critical condition after sustaining head injuries, as well as
16 police officers, the local prefecture said.
One officer was evacuated by helicopter.
Police fired tear gas to repel some demonstrators who threw fireworks and other projectiles as they crossed fields to approach the neighborhood’s construction zone.
At least three police cars caught fire, TV footage showed.
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Protesters, who have banded together despite a ban on gatherings, oppose a large water reservoir for agricultural irrigation.
About 3,200 police were deployed for the protest, said Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, who blamed far-left groups for the violence.
The heavy police presence included helicopters and officers on quad bikes.
Emmanuelle Dubee, the prefect of the surrounding region, said around 1,000 radical protesters were expected among around 6,000 protesters.
The worst drought on record in France last summer – which was also felt in the UK and Europe – has sharpened the debate over water resources in agriculture.
Proponents say the artificial reservoirs are a way to use water efficiently when needed, while critics say they are oversized and favor large farms.
Similar protests erupted last October and left people injured.
The turmoil over the irrigation project comes after weeks of protests in France against a pension reform which sees the retirement age rise from 62 to 64.
The protests have turned violent since the government pushed through the legislation without a final parliamentary vote, with Piles of burnt rubbish in the streets of Parisriot police firing tear gas and more than 300 arrests.
The King’s state visit to France, which was to begin on Sunday, have been reported amid ongoing violence and unrest.
