Mangaluru: Activists stage ‘dead body falling’ protest against MRPL coke plant

executive@coastaldigest.com (CD Network)
February 9, 2015

Mangaluru, Feb 9: With a display of mock corpses, local residents of Jokatte, Kalavar, Kenjar, Kulai, Bala and surrounding areas protested against the incessant pollution caused by the coke and sulphur manufacturing units of Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemical Limited (MRPL) Phase III plant located near Suratkal in Mangaluru taluk, demanding the shutdown of the manufacturing units.

MRPL Protest

Under the banner of Nagarika Horata Samiti, the protestors complained that the coke and sulphur units continually emitted thick dust and ash generated by the manufacturing plant, even during the night, and made breathing difficult for the residents in areas surrounding the units. The air pollution, coupled with noise from the units and contamination of water sources by pollutants, is making it unbearable for residents to live in the areas situated close to the units. Despite relentless protests, the MRPL officials have refused to heed to the problems and demands of the local residents, complained the protestors.

They alleged that the company was manufacturing coke and sulphur without following the guidelines and safety regulations issued by the government or the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board.

DYFI leader Muneer Katipalla said that the local residents were suffering from various health ailments and breathing problems ever since the manufacturing process began in the plant. As directed by the Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner, the sub-regional assistant commissioner conducted an inspection of the surroundings and the report submitted shows the mileage of the wind blowing from MRPL towards the resident areas nearby carrying dust and ash. Hence, the micro-particles in the air have been causing severe breathing problems including asthma among people, he alleged, demanding that the company shut down the manufacturing units.

He lambasted the deputy commissioner and elected representatives for not taking any action against the company in spite of several problems and difficulties faced by the people.

The protestors warned of intense protests in the future until MRPL relocated its coke and sulphur units to a different location away from residential areas.

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MRPL protest

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News Network
May 15,2025

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Mangaluru, May 15: Dr Ninaad Lasrado, a young scientist hailing from Puttur in Dakshina Kannada district, has earned a place in the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia – Health Science List for 2025. He is currently serving as a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.

Dr Lasrado achieved a remarkable academic milestone by completing his PhD in viral immunology from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, USA, at the age of 24. He later joined Harvard Medical School, part of Harvard University, where he continues his advanced research in immunology.

With a strong foundation in scientific research, Dr Lasrado has authored over 20 research papers in internationally acclaimed journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, Science, and Scientific Reports (Nature group). His work has earned him numerous awards and fellowships, recognizing his contributions to health science.

His academic journey began at Sudana Residential School, followed by PUC at Ambika PU College, and a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from St Aloysius College, Mangaluru.

Dr Lasrado is a member of Mai De Deus Church, Puttur, and is the son of Stella Sequeira and Dr H R Lasrado, retired deputy director of the Karnataka Animal Husbandry Department. The family currently resides in Puttur.

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News Network
May 10,2025

Mangaluru, May 10: A new chapter in Mangaluru’s infrastructure story unfolds on May 16, as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah arrives to inaugurate two transformative projects: the newly built Deputy Commissioner’s Office at Padil and a world-class indoor stadium at Urwa.

These developments signal a strong push toward better governance and enhanced urban amenities in the coastal city.

₹75 Crore DC Office

The new DC Office, spread across a modern campus at Padil, comes with a price tag of ₹75 crore. Initially budgeted at ₹55 crore, the project received an additional ₹20 crore under the Smart City Mission, aimed at integrating technology and convenience in public administration.

“This facility reflects our vision of a centralized, people-friendly government. With 23 departments under one roof, citizens can now access services more efficiently,” said District In-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.

The phased relocation of departments will begin on the day of inauguration and be completed over the next 2 to 3 weeks.

₹35 Crore Indoor Stadium Opens Doors

Also on the agenda is the grand opening of Mangaluru’s new indoor sports complex in Urwa, built for ₹35 crore. This ultra-modern facility is equipped to host national-level indoor events and will offer quality training infrastructure for emerging sports talent in the region.

Initiated during Siddaramaiah’s previous term, both the stadium and DC Office projects are now ready for public use and are expected to create lasting impact.

“These projects are not just buildings. They are investments in governance, youth, and the future of Mangaluru,” said Rao.

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News Network
May 8,2025

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Belagavi: Colonel Sofia Qureshi who along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh presented the details of ‘Operation Sindoor’ is being hailed as the daughter-in-law of Karnataka’s Belagavi.

Qureshi's husband Colonel Tajuddin Bagewadi is from Konnur town in Gokak taluk. He has been serving as a colonel in the Indian Army. They were married in 2015.

Qureshi is a native of Baroda in Gujarat, being married to Tajuddin has made her the daughter-in-law of Belagavi.

During a media meet at New Delhi on Wednesday, Qureshi had shared the details of the success of Operation Sindoor which was conducted in retaliation to the terror attack at Pahalgam in Kashmir.

Qureshi has also served in the UN peacekeeping force at Kangola. She has received great appreciation from General Officer Commanding for her work along the borders of Punjab and during the floods in North-East.

Presently Sofia has been posted at Jammu while her husband Colonel Tajuddin Bagewadi at Jhanshi.

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