Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has ordered the suspension of work on the Baldota Steel and Power Ltd (BSPL) plant in Koppal following public protests.
Baldota Group had announced a Rs 54,000 crore investment to set up an integrated steel plant at the recent Global Investors Meet in Bengaluru. However, environmental activists, led by Koppal Parisara Hitarakshana Vedike, opposed the project, citing concerns over pollution and its impact on local industries.
A bandh on February 24 saw strong participation, with shops closed, transport disrupted, and thousands marching in protest. A delegation, including political leaders and environmentalists, later met the CM and submitted a memorandum against the project.
Siddaramaiah assured them that the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board had not approved the plant and sought a detailed report on its preparatory works. A meeting with Industries Minister MB Patil is expected to discuss the issue further.
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