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.
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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