The Koppal Parisara Hitarakshana Vedike, a collective of various organisations and individuals advocating for environmental protection, has called for a Koppal bandh on February 24 to oppose the proposed integrated steel plant by the Baldota Group.

At the Global Investors’ Meet, the Baldota Group announced plans to invest ₹54,000 crore to establish an integrated steel plant under its subsidiary, Baldota Steel and Power Ltd. (BSPL). The plant, slated to be set up in Koppal taluk, aims for an annual production capacity of 10.5 million tonnes.

Since the announcement, environmentalists and progressive organisations in Koppal have held multiple meetings to strategise their opposition to the project. At a recent meeting on Saturday, political leaders, civil society groups, and environmental organisations unanimously decided to observe a bandh on February 24 to voice their strong dissent. The gathering also appealed to Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Swami of Koppal Gavi Mutt to lead the protests.

In a show of solidarity, the Association of Private Schools has pledged support for the bandh by promising to keep all affiliated schools closed on the day. The protest aims to highlight concerns over potential environmental impacts and other issues associated with the proposed steel plant.