Tue Mar 04 16:18:03 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Chief Minister Halts Controversial Steel Plant Project

**Bengaluru, March 4, 2025** – Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has ordered a halt to the proposed ₹54,000 crore ($6.5 billion USD approx.) integrated steel plant project by the Baldota Group in Koppal district. The decision follows a delegation’s appeal highlighting strong local opposition to the project.

The delegation, which included representatives from various political parties and civil society organizations like the Koppal Parisara Hitarakshana Vedike, met with the Chief Minister on Tuesday. They voiced concerns about the environmental impact of the plant, which is planned to have an annual production capacity of 10.5 million tonnes.

CM Siddaramaiah, acknowledging the public resistance and the lack of permission from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, directed the Koppal Deputy Commissioner to immediately cease all work related to the project. He further instructed Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh to investigate and submit a report. The Chief Minister also stated he would discuss the matter with the Large and Medium Scale Industries Minister, M.B. Patil.

The Baldota Group announced its plans for the steel plant at the recent Global Investors’ Meet in Bengaluru. However, the announcement has been met with protests, including a successful bandh in Koppal on February 24th, led by Abhinava Gavisiddeshwar Swami of Koppal Gavi Mutt. The future of the project remains uncertain pending further investigation and government review.

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