Seers, dignitaries extend support to Feb 24 Koppal bandh against industrial pollution

Koppal: A bandh was called in Koppal and Bhagyanagar on Feb 24 as part of the ongoing agitation against the proposed integrated steel plant and the expansion of polluting industries in the region.The protest, spearheaded by the Parisara Hitarakshana Vedike and Koppal Bachao Andolana and supported by various farmers' groups and civil society organisations, followed over 115 days of sustained demonstrations highlighting environmental and public health concerns. Activists alleged that the proposed projects could lead to severe air pollution, groundwater depletion and damage to agricultural lands.The bandh call received support from several religious and social leaders. Panditaradhya Shivacharya Swamiji and Siddarama Swamiji publicly endorsed the agitation and urged citizens to unite in safeguarding the district's environment. They addressed recent protest conventions and appealed for peaceful participation in the shutdown.Among others extending support were District Lawyers' Association President AV Kanavi, actor Dunia Vijay, writers, theatre personalities, social activists and some politicians, who expressed concern over the long-term impact of heavy industrialisation on rural livelihoods.Prof Allamaprabhu Bettadur, the chief convener of the agitation, stated that the bandh aimed to draw the attention of the govt to the environmental risks associated with large-scale steel projects and to demand stringent scrutiny and safeguards before granting clearances.The organisers appealed to traders, transport operators, educational institutions and the general public to extend cooperation to ensure the bandh remained peaceful.With growing backing from community leaders and various organisations, the Feb 24 bandh was expected to witness significant participation across the district.