Villagers oppose factory supporters during visit of pollution control board chairman in Koppal
Koppal: A tense situation was reported in Hirebaganal village of Koppal district when villagers confronted and drove away a group of people who had arrived supporting the establishment of factories in the area.
The incident occurred ahead of the proposed visit of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board chairman Narendra Swamy, who is expected to inspect villages affected by industrial pollution.
In Koppal, protests against the expansion of factories and demands for pollution control have been going on for more than 120 days. The agitation is being led by several organisations, including the District Bachao Andolan Samiti and the Environment Protection Forum.
Under the leadership of Sri Gavisiddeshwara Mahaswamiji, the district has also observed two Koppal bandh protests expressing anger against factories.
As the protest intensified, several leaders, including a sitting MLA and former MPs, visited Hirebaganal village to hear the problems faced by the residents.
On Friday, a few women from Kasanakandi village and some people working as contract labourers in factories came to Hirebaganal village expressing support for the factories, ahead of the visit of the Pollution Control Board chairman.
When villagers noticed them, they strongly objected and questioned their presence. Residents said the outsiders did not understand the problems faced by people living near factories.
Villagers said that after giving land for factories they have been facing many problems.