Mangalore,dec.29 : Members of Nagarika Horata Samiti, Jokatte and Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) said that the fight against pollution, which is allegedly caused by Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) phase III plant, will be intensified. The members pointed out that people residing near the coke and sulphur units of the phase-III plant at Jokatte face difficulties due to air, water and noise pollution.
DYFI state president Muneer Katipalla said that residents of Jokatte, Kalavaru, Kenjaru, Thokur, Bala and other areas near the plant suffer due to pollution. “Water resources have been polluted and life has become miserable due to pungent smell and noise. We urge the district administration to conduct proper study to measure pollution levels. People’s representatives should respond to the concerns and help people by providing justice,” said Muneer.
Samiti member B S Hussain said that many residents in the region have been suffering from various ailments due to pollution. “We have submitted a memorandum to local representatives and also to chief minister Siddaramaiah. However, none of the leaders have come forward to help us,” he added.
Notice to activists : R Hithendra, city police commissioner and special executive magistrate, has issued notices to 17 residents of Jokatte and surrounding areas in connection with their protest against the MRPL plant. Notices under Sections 107 and 116(3) of CrPC have been issued based on a complaint from Panambur police sub-inspector Sathish MP. The commissioner has sought a response from residents on they should not be asked to submit a bond for good behaviour under the above-mentioned sections of CrPC.
No pollution : MRPL authorities clarified that there is no room for such concerns and all possible pollution control measures have been taken by the company as stipulated by MoEF and KSPCB. “At MRPL, 24×7 air and sound monitoring is being done and well water that is used for drinking is being checked every quarter. All reports indicate that there is no cause for concern for people of Jokatte or around the refinery. MRPL is a national asset and the public sector company is only serving the nation,” said Lakshmi Kumaran, DGM, corporate communications, MRPL.
