Leaders addressing a public meeting organised in Koppal as part of Koppal-Bhagyanagar bandh on Tuesday.
| 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 in affected villages extended their support to the agitation.
A large public meeting was held as part of the protest, attended by seers, political leaders and representatives of various organisations cutting across party lines.
People from various walks of life participating in a public meeting organised 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 programme and expressed solidarity with farmers and villagers.
The seers and leaders urged the State and Central governments to understand the plight of the affected communities and act decisively. They said that people in the region felt neglected by elected representatives and warned that public anger can reflect in future elections if corrective measures are not taken.
Koppal Bus Stand wore a deserted look during the bandh on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
They maintained that the agitation will be continued until a logical end is reached.
Speakers at the meeting said that emissions and fly ash from industries are damaging crops and reducing agricultural yield, while also affecting livestock and water bodies, including Basapur Lake.
They contended that environmental degradation has intensified after the establishment of sponge iron and other units and demanded that the Chief Minister and Industries Minister visit the affected areas to assess the ground situation.
Education activist V.N. Rajasekhar described the situation as a matter of concern for democracy, saying that despite over 100 days of agitation, no effective response has come from public representatives. He said that access to clean air and water has become a matter of struggle.
Lok Sabha member from Koppal K. Rajashekar Hitnal said that 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 be continued against both the State and Central governments until justice is delivered.
Tontad Siddarama Swamiji called for the movement to grow into a people’s agitation with support from across the State, cautioning protesters not to be swayed by assurances without concrete action.
The former Parliamentarian Sanganna Karadi recalled earlier opposition to industrial projects in the region and suggested making a fresh representation to the Chief Minister seeking the closure of polluting units.
MLA K. Raghavendra Hitnal said that industries acquired land from farmers decades ago, when environmental consequences were not fully understood. He added that protests must remain peaceful and sustained to achieve results.
State Farmers Association president Badagalapura Nagendra, activist A.T. Ramaswamy, farmers leader Chamarasa Malipatil, MLC Hemalatha Nayak, Janata Dal(S) leader C.V. Chandrashekhar, District Mahila Congress president Jyothi M. Gondabal and several members of the struggle committee, including Allamaprabhu Bettadur, D.H. Pujar, Ramesh Tuppad, Sharanu Gaddi and Sharanu Patil, were present.
Cultural performances highlighting the environmental situation in Koppal were also held during the protest.
Published – February 24, 2026 08:00 pm IST
