Hitnal Bothers Oppose Baldota factory expansion

KOPPAL

MLA K Raghavendra Hitnal expressed his support for the fight against Baldota factory expansion during a meeting held at the Inspection Bungalow. The meeting was organised by the Joint Action Forum, comprising the Jilla Bachao Andolan Samiti and the Environmental Protection Forum. Following the incident of alleged assault against shepherds at the construction site of the steel factory near Koppal on Saturday, Hitnal reached out to the deputy commissioner and superintendent of police.

He urged for solutions to maintain access to Basapura lake for both residents and livestock. During the meeting, Hitnal stated that in addition to the steel company's complaints against activists, counter-complaints would also be taken into account. Plans were made to file a ‘B' report regarding baseless allegations made against the protesters. He mentioned his earlier delegation to the chief minister, where he voiced his disapproval of setting up another steel factory close to Koppal, leading to a halt in construction orders.

MP K Rajashekar Hitnal expressed his willingness to support the people's cause, mentioning that the relevant minister would visit those impacted by the factory. He denounced the attack by factory security on the shepherd and his livestock, indicating that directives were issued to the DC and SP for a resolution.

Prof Allamaprabhu Bettadur, speaking on behalf of the Joint Action Forum, urged, "Full support should be extended to the agitation, which includes completely halting the Baldota factory expansion, promptly reopening the Basapur lake for public and cattle access, retracting the false allegations levelled by the steel company against locals, and providing aid to Devappa Halalli, the shepherd who was assaulted by the factory personnel."