Koppal, Bhagyanagar observe bandh against industrial pollution

Koppal: Normal life was thrown out of gear in district headquarters Koppal and twin city Bhagyanagar on Tuesday as a massive bandh was observed against the expansion of factories, particularly a large private steel plant accused of causing severe pollution in the region.The bandh was jointly called by Koppal District Bachavo Andolan, Parisara Hitarakshana Samiti and other pro-environment forums. Hundreds of farmers, residents, activists and leaders, cutting across political lines, took part in the agitation, demanding immediate govt intervention to curb industrial pollution.The protest march began at Gavi Mutt grounds and passed through Clock Tower and Jawahar Road before culminating at Ashok Circle. Raising slogans against the govt and industrial units, the demonstrators alleged that unchecked emissions from factories are damaging crops, contaminating air and water, and posing serious health risks to locals.Farmers from surrounding villages, including Halavarthi and Hirebaganal, brought samples of withered chickpeas, jowar and maize crops to underline the impact of factory smoke and dust on their agricultural fields. Many claimed that crop yields dropped drastically over the past few years.The bandh on Tuesday coincided with the first anniversary of a similar protest held on Feb 24, 2025, under the leadership of Abhinava Gavisdheshwara Swami of Gavi Mutt. Though district leaders subsequently met the chief minister and secured a temporary suspension of certain factory operations, the protesters said no permanent cancellation order is issued. Pro-environment groups have been staging an indefinite dharna for the past 116 days.The shutdown received widespread support — shops, hotels, street vendors and private educational institutions downed shutters voluntarily, while public transport services operated partially. Major roads wore a deserted look for most of the day.Students, women and senior citizens joined the rally. Some participants wore masks to highlight respiratory distress allegedly caused by pollution. A few women carried empty cradles, symbolically drawing attention to concerns over miscarriages and child health in affected areas.Prominent participants included Nagabhushan Swami of Srishail Mutt, MP K Rajasekhar Hitnal, MLA K Raghavendra Hitnal, former MP Sanganna Karadi, former MLA Amaregouda Bayyapur, MLC Hemalatha Nayak, JD(S) functionary C V Chandrashekhar, chief convener of environment groups prof Allamaprabhu Bettadur.During the protest march, former MP Karadi faced public outrage for his perceived inaction, and MLA Raghavendra Hitnal was questioned over why he never raised his voice in the assembly regarding the pollution caused by these factories. When heated arguments ensued, police intervened and pacified the protesters. Despite public opposition, Hitnal took part in the procession.The bandh highlighted the ongoing struggle of Koppal residents, who battled pollution-related health issues for years.