A protest against megabasins in Vienne, France, was cut short on Friday when police tear gas ignited a fire in a recently harvested field.

The demonstration, involving thousands of activists, aimed to oppose large water reservoirs used for agricultural irrigation.

Organizers claim 10,000 participants, while authorities estimate 2,500. The dangerous situation forced protesters to retreat, abandoning plans to target a seed company.

Meanwhile, cyclists successfully sabotaged a megabasin owned by an industrial farming giant.

The conflict over water management continues, with 93 megabasins planned across four French departments.

Protesters plan to block an industrial port in La Rochelle on Saturday, viewing it as a symbol of the agro-industrial system they oppose.