Villagers Clash with Pro-Industry Group Ahead of Pollution Board Chief's Visit in Koppal
Tension prevailed in Hirebaganal village of Koppal taluk on Friday ahead of the scheduled visit of PM Narendraswamy, chairman of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB). The chairman was set to inspect villages severely affected by industrial pollution in the region, with Hirebaganal being among the worst-hit areas and the starting point of his inspection program.
Hurried Cleanup and Confrontation
Ahead of the visit, the district administration, with indirect support from industries, initiated hurried cleaning operations early in the morning. According to resident Hanumanthappa Kuri, more than 30 workers were deployed to clean roads, public places, and the school ground, while water was sprinkled on roads to suppress dust.
Simultaneously, industry representatives reportedly brought individuals from the neighboring pollution-affected village of Kasanakandi to Hirebaganal. Their aim was to present a request to the KSPCB chairman, seeking support for factory expansion and new industries by citing employment opportunities.
This move sparked immediate confrontation, as Hirebaganal villagers confronted the group, leading to heated arguments. Residents argued that those from outside were unaware of the severe problems faced after land was allocated for industries. They alleged that pollution has caused significant hardships for schoolchildren, women, pregnant women, and livestock.
Strong Opposition and Health Concerns
Facing strong opposition from the villagers, the women and contractors who had arrived in support of the factories were forced to leave the village. Basavaraj Pujar, a resident of Kasanakandi, highlighted the dire situation, stating that excessive industrial pollution has severely impacted people, livestock, and agriculture.
"The toxic environment has increased health problems and made life difficult for farmers. Under no circumstance do we want any more factories here," he emphasized.
Ongoing Protests and Political Involvement
Several organizations, including the District Bachao Andolan Samiti and the Parisara Hitarakshana Vedike, have been staging an indefinite protest for the past 124 days. Their demands include controlling industrial pollution and opposing factory expansion. Abhinava Gavishiddeshwara Swamiji of the Gavi Mutt has also raised concerns over the pollution issue.
On the political front, MLA K Raghavendra Hitnal recently visited Hirebaganal twice to assess the situation, while MLC Hemalatha Nayak raised the issue during the legislative session. Against this backdrop, KSPCB chairman PM Narendraswamy decided to conduct a survey of the affected villages.
Chairman's Visit and Tense Moment
During his visit to Koppal on Friday, KSPCB chairman PM Narendraswamy experienced a brief tense moment. While inspecting areas affected by industrial pollution, he reprimanded a departmental official and reportedly called him an ‘idiot’. The incident occurred when the official, expected to brief and guide the visit, was not immediately present as Narendraswamy hurried to proceed to the next location on his schedule.
Irked by the delay, Narendraswamy pulled up KSPCB assistant director YS Harishankar, questioning why the next location had not been shown to him quickly. Despite the reprimand, Harishankar did not respond and proceeded to guide the chairman to the next inspection point.
The situation in Hirebaganal and surrounding villages remains critical, with residents continuing to fight against industrial pollution and expansion, highlighting the ongoing struggle between economic development and environmental health in the region.
