Black dust chokes Koppal villages, activists warn

Koppal: Black dust hanging over villages around sponge and iron industries in Koppal taluk is turning daily life into a struggle, environmental activists have warned, pressing Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to step in against what they describe as unchecked industrial pollution.Parisara Sangama, a state-level environmental platform based in Bengaluru, has written to the KSPCB chairman, expressing alarm over reported pollution in the district. The letter, signed by 35 environmentalists from across Karnataka — including Sharada Gopal, Sanjeev Kulkarni and Prakash Bhat — has also been marked to Koppal deputy commissioner.The group said black dust released into the atmosphere from nearby sponge and iron factories has made life "extremely difficult" for residents in several villages across the industrial belt.Backing their concerns with official data, the members cited a Department of Family Welfare survey that recorded serious health problems in Hirebaganal village. According to the survey, 124 people are suffering from respiratory ailments, 49 from skin diseases, two from cancer, 25 from tuberculosis and 42 from vision-related issues in the village with a population of about 2,400. Similar health conditions have been reported from other affected villages, they said.They also referred to an observation by Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Swamiji of Gavi Mutt, who warned that if industrial expansion continues, "the number of people going to cremation grounds will exceed those rocking cradles."The fallout, they said, extends beyond health. Black particles settle on crops, lowering their market value, while agricultural labourers are reportedly covered in dust as they work in the fields.Residents have also noticed a pattern in emissions, with relatively lower dust levels during the day and a sharp spike in the evenings. Though some factories have installed electrostatic precipitators, the members alleged these are not used in the evenings due to high electricity costs.The organisation further alleged that untreated industrial wastewater is being discharged into the Tungabhadra river.Beyond environmental damage, the pollution has disrupted social life, the members said, with families from other areas hesitant to establish marital ties with residents of the affected villages. They said more than 12 villages in Koppal taluk are impacted.Despite annual inspections by Pollution Control Board and the issue being mentioned in its 2024 report, the activists said no action has been taken to cancel the licences of polluting industries.Parisara Sangama has urged the KSPCB to conduct immediate field inspections, rein in pollution or cancel licences of erring units, and provide compensation to affected residents.