Intro
Manjunath Gondabala warned industrial expansion may harm city growth, citing pollution concerns; others demanded immediate cancellation of approvals
CH NEWS, KOPPAL
Koppal drug traders association extended support to the ongoing anti Baldota struggle on its 202nd day. They also joined a nationwide strike called by the All India Drug Traders Association against online medicine trade and fake drugs. Association president Kotrappa Korlahalli said traders demanded action to stop online drug sales counterfeit medicines and corporate monopoly in the sector. He said the protest also supports protecting public health in Koppal and Bhagyanagar and saving the future of local people from pollution threats.
Joint Action Forum coordinator Manjunath Gondabala warned that industrial expansion could damage the city and reduce investment and settlement in the future. He said dust pollution from the Baldota MSPL pellet plant is already affecting eastern parts of the city and harming real estate growth. Speakers including Hanumesh Illura said the association fully supports the agitation and demanded immediate government action against expansion approvals. They criticized delay in cancelling permissions despite earlier assurances from elected representatives and officials in the region.
Environment activist Allama Prabhu Bettadur said medicine trade should not be monopolised and people must get affordable healthcare without online exploitation. He added that the strike seeks central government intervention to protect consumers and ensure fair medical business practices across the country. Hundreds of traders and association members participated in the sit in protest at Koppal raising slogans and demanding urgent action. Organisers said the movement will continue until authorities stop expansion plans and address environmental concerns while ensuring protection of livelihoods public health and fair medicine trade for citizens of Koppal region.
