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Theatre artist Laxman Peergari on Tuesday expressed solidarity with the ongoing indefinite dharna against the Baldota Steel Plant and other industries accused of causing severe air and water pollution in Koppal and surrounding villages.
Participating in the 12th day of the agitation organised jointly by the Koppal District Bachao Andolan Samiti and the Parisara Hitarakshana Vedike in front of the City Municipal Council complex, Mr. Peergari said that he and his team will create public awareness against environmental destruction by the industrial units around Koppal through short plays and performances.
“People’s lives in Koppal and nearby villages have been made miserable by pollution. Those claiming that the air here is pure are spreading false and sponsored studies. Locals are laughing at such propaganda. As artists, our duty is to spread truth and awareness among people,” he claimed.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (Basavarajappa faction) also extended its support to the agitation.
Speaking on the occasion, district president of the sangha Nazeer Saab Moolimani urged political leaders to take action to alleviate people’s suffering.
“The public reposes faith in its representatives like it does in God. That trust should not be broken. The State government must ensure justice by closing down the factory,” he said.
Farmers leader Ganesh Reddy and members of the agitation committee, including Allamaprabhu Bettaduru, K.B. Gonal, Manjunath G. Gondabal, D.M. Badiger, Mahantesh Kotabal, Makbool Rayachur, Mukappa Mestri, Mahadevappa S. Mavinamadu, Channaveerayya Hiremath, Kashappa Chalavadi, Prakash Holeyappanavar, Gavisiddappa Haligi and others were present.
The dharna, which is into its 12th day, is being held under the banner of the two organisations demanding the closure of polluting industries in and around Koppal. These, they claim, have severely affected the health of around 1.5 lakh people in Koppal and nearly 20 nearby villages.
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