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. They alleged that pollution has affected school children, women, pregnant women and even livestock. They also said living conditions in the area have become difficult.
Amid strong opposition and anger from villagers, the women and contractors who had come in support of the factories left the village.
Villagers also warned them not to visit the village for the sake of money offered by companies and asked them to think about the future of their children.
Basavaraj Pujar, a resident of Kasanakandi village, said excessive pollution from factories has caused serious damage to people, livestock and agriculture. He said toxic air has led to increasing health problems and farmers are struggling to survive.
He added that villagers do not want factories in the area under any circumstances.