Bengaluru, March 4 (IANS) A delegation of protesters opposing the Baldota factory at Koppal district of the state met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday and submitted a request urging the government not to permit the factory’s operation.
Responding to their appeal, the Chief Minister directed the District Commissioner to halt the factory’s operations.
Koppal Parisara Vedike, a collective of various 150–plus civil society organisations and individuals advocating environmental protection, is opposing the establishment of an integrated steel plant by Baldota Group in Koppal district. The bandh call given by the Vedike on March 3, received full support in Koppal city.
At the Global Investors’ Meet, the Baldota Group announced plans to invest Rs 54,000 crore to establish an integrated steel plant under its subsidiary, Baldota Steel and Power Ltd (BSPL). The plant aimed to produce 10.5 million tonnes of steel annually.
The establishment of a steel plant had sparked widespread outrage as the people of the region, in Koppal taluk, are suffering from a poor air quality index in the backdrop of multiple sponge iron units operating in the area. The pollutants and industrial dust have turned the life of the people of the region into a hell.
Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Swamiji, the local prominent pontiff of Koppal Gavi Mutt had declared his support for the people’s protest against the establishment of Baldota steel manufacturing plant. He had turned tearful after watching the disastrous effects of industrial dust and pollutants on the people.
The locals state that the rampant pollution has resulted in the birth of children with physical and mental disorders. The people are affected by asthma and cancer diseases. They also underlined that the agricultural lands have turned barren.
Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Swamiji had stated that if the Baldota factory is allowed to establish and manufacture, the development would turn the entire region into a burial ground.
The Ministers and MLAs have come under tremendous pressure to act in this regard. The Koppal district, located in north Karnataka, is considered as one of the most backward districts in the state. The social and economic indicators of the region are poor, and the concerns were raised regarding the development.
–IANS
mka/dan
