In a decisive stand against industrial pollution, leaders of farmer groups and various civil society organizations in Koppal have initiated an indefinite sit-in protest. Their demand is clear: the removal of several polluting industries whose unchecked expansion is allegedly destroying agricultural land, contaminating drinking water, and jeopardizing local livelihoods. The demonstration, held in front of the Koppal City Municipal Council complex, targets the operations and proposed expansions of major companies including Baldota, Kirloskar, Kalyani, Mukand Sumi, and Xindia Steels Limited.
Organized jointly by the Koppal District Bachao Andolana and the Parisara Hitarakshana Vedike, the protest commenced with respectful tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Organizers have vowed to continue their peaceful dharna until their profound environmental and livelihood concerns are adequately addressed by authorities.
Badagalapura Nagendra, the State president of the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS), challenged the notion that industrial growth automatically equates to prosperity. “Investment alone cannot truly shape people’s lives,” he asserted. “In places like Ballari, big industries arrived with many promises, but these often failed to translate into secure livelihoods, and some companies have even begun cutting jobs. Our health and very existence must take precedence over mere employment figures; clean air, pure water, and safe crops are non-negotiable.”
Chamarasa Malipatil, the honorary president of KRRS, painted a grim picture of the current situation. “The pervasive smoke and dust emanating from these factories in Koppal district have already ravaged our crops, rendering them toxic and unsafe for consumption,” he stated. “Furthermore, an alarming amount of water is being siphoned from local rivers, leaving farmers with insufficient irrigation for their crucial second harvest. Even our essential drinking water has become contaminated.” He implored the revered spiritual leader Gavishiddheshwara Mahaswami, head of Gavimath in Koppal, to continue his invaluable support for this vital environmental movement.
Jyoti M. Gondabal, the district Mahila Congress president, voiced her dismay, calling it a “national shame” that citizens are still forced to protest in the streets for basic rights, 75 years post-independence. “Gandhiji secured our freedom from colonial rule, and Dr. Babasaheb empowered us with the right to live with dignity,” she reminded the crowd. “Now, we must unite and fight fiercely for our fundamental right to a healthy life.”
The meeting, chaired by senior writer Allamaprabhu Bettaduru, emphasized the unwavering resolve of the movement, deeply rooted in the community’s past successes. “We must realize that many projects costing hundreds of crores are primarily designed for corporate gain, not for the genuine upliftment of our people,” he cautioned. “We have fought such battles before, even without political backing or overwhelming numbers, and we emerged victorious. We will triumph again.”
Hundreds of dedicated residents, influential writers, passionate activists, and respected local leaders, including A.M. Madari, Shashikala, K.B. Gonal, D.H. Poojar, and Manjunath Gondabal, actively participated in the powerful agitation. Earlier, protesters had marched from Ashoka Circle, raising powerful slogans, before converging at the municipal complex to begin their sit-in.