Bengaluru, March 4 (Reporter) Protesters have raised concerns over the potential health hazards posed by the expansion of the proposed mega steel plant by Baldota Steel and Power Limited (BSPL) near Koppal town in Karnataka, stating that increased dust emissions would severely impact the well-being of local residents. In response, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directed the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of Koppal district to halt all preparatory works for the plant. He assured them that the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board had not granted permission for the plant. He also acknowledged reports on the environmental and health implications and assured that a meeting with Industries Minister MB Patil would be convened to discuss the issue further. A delegation of protesters met the Chief Minister in Bengaluru and submitted a memorandum opposing the steel plant, which has a proposed production capacity of 1.50 crore tonnes. The delegation, led by Koppal District in-charge Minister Shivaraj Tangadgi, comprised representatives from all political parties and environmentalists. Additionally, Siddaramaiah sought a detailed report on the preparatory works being undertaken for the factory. Among the delegation members were MP Rajashekar Hitnal, MLAs Janardhana Reddy, Basavaraj Rayareddy (Chief Minister’s economic advisor), and others...////...