KOPPAL, 21 FEB

Several local organisations have urged the district administration to facilitate early establishment of an integrated steel plant by the Baldota Group in Koppal, one of the backward districts of the state.

Baldota Group signed an agreement with the state government at the recent Global Investors Meet in Bengaluru to set up the steel plant with an investment of Rs 54,000 crore.

The Baldota Steel and Power Limited (BSPL) is expected to boost steel production and generate thousands of jobs. Local organisations believe this will prevent large-scale migration of people from the district in search of employment, while also contributing to its economic growth.

The Baldota Group has assured that 80 per cent of the jobs in the plant will be reserved for local residents. It has also promised social welfare initiatives such as women empowerment programmes, forestation drives, construction of sanitation facilities and skill development.

The organisations which supported the move include Shri Shri Siddarameshwara Bhovi Waddar Samaj Sangha, Karnataka Dalit Sangharsh Samiti (Bheemavada), Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, and Karnataka Rakshana Sena.

The project has faced opposition from some local groups and leaders who have raised concerns about potential environmental damage.