Mangalore, Oct 11: The Nagarika Horata Samithi, Jokatte in association with DYFI members staged a protest in front of DK DC’s office on October 10, Friday against the pollution and disturbance caused by Sulphur and Coke units at the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemical Limited (MRPL).

Addressing the protesters, DYFI leader Muneer Katipalla said that the locals of Jokatte, Kenjar, Maravoor, Kavalara, Thokur villages are facing problem due to the pollution caused by Sulphur and Coke units at the MRPL Phase III plant.

He also said that, the plant has polluted water bodies and has been causing noise and air pollution irritating the locals.

Previously the residents of Jokatte and surrounding villages were cultivating crops on this fertile land but now they have been destroyed due to the chemicals and pollution. The chemical activity of the company has polluted the water from the wells and they have bare the constant noise, dust and smoke emitted from the plant. The residents are suffering from skin and related ailments and children are suffering from chronic respiratory problem.

The protestors said that, residents had given up their fertile land as well as employment to locals when the proposal on MRPL was initiated two decades ago. But when they established the Coke and Sulphur units the residents were not informed, he said.

He also said that MRPL should have set up such plants after developing greenery in 35 per cent of land. They should have given priority over public issues since it is a public sector company. They also criticized DK DC for failing to visit the place and initiate action against MRPL, he added.

CPM leader Yadav Shetty warned to intensify the protest and residents will picket MRPL, if the district administration fails to convene a meeting of all stake holders at the earliest and solve the problem.

Later in a press release, MRPL stated that the ISO 140001 and ISO 50001 certified company has reiterate its commitment to work in harmony with nature and now the company is nder tremendous pressure from villagers of nearby Jokatte village alleging noise, water and dust pollution.

It also stated that they have been repeatedly responding about the problems stated by the residents and clarified that there is no room for such concern.
MRPL is monitoring air and sound for 24×7 and check the drinking wells water every quarter. The report stated that no cause for concern for the people of Jokatte or around the Refinery.

An expert Technical advisory committee (TAC) formed by Minister for Environment and Forest Ramanath Rai has visited MRPL and their report is awaited.