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Protests against Belgaum`s sponge iron plant

protest is building up against Kundil Sponge Iron Ltd's unit in Londa town in Belgaum district, Karnataka. People are planning to take to the streets to protest against the rising pollution in the township, which has started affecting rice cultivation in neighbouring villages. They say although officials promised action against the plant, nothing has been done so far.

Aravind Jannu, the state secretary of Department of Ecology and Environment (dee), had assured suitable action after inspecting the plant on December 1. "We didn't want the unit. It was thrust on us. Pollution levels are unimaginable and our houses are covered with soot. The secretary visited the plant but did not speak to local people. We will have to take drastic measures,' says Shekhar Mithare, a resident of Londa (see