Koppal: Tension prevailed outside the Baldota Steel and Power Limited plant at Basapur in Koppal district on Tuesday after hundreds of farmers protesting against the company’s expansion project broke through the factory compound and entered the premises.
The protest, organised by the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha on the occasion of 46th Farmers’ Martyrs’ Day, remained peaceful for nearly four hours before taking a dramatic turn after the meeting concluded.
Earlier in the day, farmers, seers and residents took out a padayatra from Gavi Mutt to the factory, alleging that the company and the authorities had ignored their long-pending demand to restore public access to the lake, which they claim became inaccessible after the factory expanded.
As the gathering dispersed, a section of the protesters damaged part of the factory’s compound wall and rushed onto the premises. In a symbolic act of defiance, a farmer jumped into the lake and swam back to the shore. Protesters also allegedly damaged the factory’s main iron gate as they left the premises.
Police personnel attempted to stop the protesters from entering the factory, leading to a brief confrontation. Koppal Superintendent of Police Dr Ram L Arasiddi and other senior officers intervened to bring the situation under control, while Ballari Range Inspector General of Police Harsha PS later visited the spot to review the law and order situation.
The agitation affected traffic on the Koppal–Hosapete National Highway, leaving long queues of vehicles stranded.
Opposition to the proposed expansion of the Baldota Steel and Power project has continued for nearly two years. The Jilla Bachao Andolana Samiti has been staging protest in Koppal for around 300 days, while the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha has been camping outside the factory for the past month seeking restoration of the lake.
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