Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has instructed the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police to stop the preparatory work for the proposed mega steel plant by Baldota Steel and Power Limited (BSPL) near Koppal town. This directive comes after widespread protests from various organizations and religious leaders against the plant, which has a planned production capacity of 1.5 crore tonnes.
A delegation representing political parties and environmentalists, led by Koppal District In-charge Minister Shivaraj Tangadgi, submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister in Bengaluru on Tuesday, raising concerns about the potential environmental and health impacts of the factory. The protestors argue that the expansion of the plant would result in increased dust pollution, exacerbating respiratory issues and other health problems for the local population.
In response, the Chief Minister assured the delegation that the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board has not granted permission for the factory’s operation yet. He acknowledged reports regarding the health concerns raised by the community and stated that a meeting would be held with Industries Minister M.B. Patil to discuss the matter further. Siddaramaiah also requested a detailed report on the progress of the preparatory works for the plant.