The leaders were addressing a public meeting organized in Koppal on Tuesday as part of the Koppal-Bhagyanagar bandh. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The twin cities of Koppal and Bhagyanagar observed a bandh on Tuesday demanding the closure of Baldota and other polluting industrial units operating in the vicinity.
Shops and commercial establishments remained closed in response to the bandh call, while residents of the affected villages supported the agitation.
As part of the protest, a large public gathering was held, attended by diviners, political leaders and representatives of various organizations across party lines.
People from different walks of life participate in a public meeting organized in Koppal as part of Koppal-Bhagyanagar bandh on Tuesday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Panditaradhya Shivacharya Swamiji of Sanehalli, Siddarameshwara Swamiji of Tontad and Siddabasava Kabir Mahaswamiji of Jewargi Math participated in the program and expressed solidarity with the farmers and villagers.
The visionaries and leaders urged the state and central governments to understand the plight of the affected communities and act decisively. They said people in the region felt neglected by elected representatives and warned that public anger could be reflected in future elections if remedial measures were not taken.
The Koppal Bus Stand wore a deserted look at Tuesday’s event. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
They insisted that the agitation would continue until a logical end was reached.
Speakers at the meeting said emissions and ash from industries are damaging crops and reducing agricultural yields, while affecting livestock and water bodies, including Basapur Lake.
They alleged that environmental degradation had intensified after the establishment of iron sponge and other units and demanded that the chief minister and the industries minister visit the affected areas and take stock of the situation on the ground.
Education activist VN Rajasekhar described the situation as a problem of democracy and said that despite more than 100 days of agitation, there was no effective response from public representatives. He said access to clean air and water has become a matter of struggle.
Lok Sabha member from Koppal K. Rajashekar Hitnal said leaders of all political parties from Koppal district met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and sought closure of environmentally harmful industries.
He added that the agitation will continue against both the state and central governments until justice is served.
Tontad Siddarama Swamiji called for the movement to grow into a people’s agitation with support from across the state and warned the protesters not to be swayed by assurances without concrete actions.
Recalling earlier opposition to industrial projects in the region, former MP Sanganna Karadi proposed a new representation to the chief minister in a bid to shut down polluting units.
MLA K. Raghavendra Hitnal said the industry acquired land from farmers decades ago when the environmental implications were not fully understood. He added that the protests must remain peaceful and sustained to achieve results.
Badagalapura State Farmers Association President Nagendra, activist AT Ramaswamy, farmer leader Chamarasa Malipatil, MLC Hemalatha Nayak, Janata Dal(S) leader CV Chandrashekhar, District Mahila Congress President M. Gondabal and several struggle committee members including Allamaprabhu Bettadur, DH Sharnupada Pattadur and DH Sharnupadd, Rame present.
During the protest, cultural performances highlighting the environmental situation in Koppal were also held.
Published – 24 Feb 2026 8:00 PM IST
