Protest launched in Koppal seeking removal of polluting industries

Leaders of farmers’ groups and civil society launched an indefinite sit-in in front of the Koppal City Municipal Council complex on Friday, demanding the removal of many polluting industries whose expansion they claim is damaging farmland, polluting drinking water and threatening local livelihoods.

The joint action was organized by Koppal District Bachao Andolana and Parisara Hitarakshana Vedike and was directed against the proposed expansion and activities of Baldota, Kirloskar, Kalyani, Mukand Sumi and Xindia Steels Limited. Before the protest moved to Dharna, Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. It started with the gift of flowers to BR Ambedkar and organizers said it would continue until environmental and livelihood concerns are addressed.

Badagalapura Nagendra, State President of the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS), said that the idea that factories automatically create prosperity is a misconception. “Investment alone cannot shape people’s lives. Big industries came into play in Ballari and promises did not translate into secure livelihoods; companies started cutting jobs. Health and life come before employment,” he said, arguing that economic figures cannot replace clean air, water and safe crops.

Chamarasa Malipatil, honorary president of KRRS, said smoke and dust from factories in Koppal district have already ruined crops and made crops unsafe. Urging spiritual leader Gavishiddheshwara Mahaswami, head of Gavimath in Koppal, to continue his support for the agitation against polluting industries, he said, “The smoke and dust from these factories have destroyed crops and made them poisonous. Large quantities of water are withdrawn from local rivers, eliminating the need for farmers to irrigate for the second crop. Even drinking water has become contaminated.”

District Mahila Congress president Jyoti M. Gondabal described this development as a national shame that people had to resort to street protests again even after 75 years of Independence. “Gandhiji freed us from colonial rule and Dr. Babasaheb gave us the right to live with dignity. We must come together and fight for our right to a healthy life,” he said.

Senior writer Allaprabhu Bettaduru, who chaired the meeting, said the movement was determined and based on local memory of past victories. “We must understand that projects costing hundreds of billions are mostly for corporate profit and not to elevate us. We have fought and won before without the help of politicians or many people. We will win again,” he said.

Hundreds of residents, writers, activists and local leaders, including AM Madari, Shashikala, KB Gonal, DH Poojar, Manjunath Gondabal and others, participated in the agitation. Protesters had earlier chanted slogans in Ashoka Square and marched to the municipal complex.