On October 19, contract labourers employed by Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) and families whose land was acquired filed a formal petition with the Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada. The document, presented at the Mangalore Press Club, lists a series of demands and warns that the committee will launch intensified protests if the authorities fail to respond within the stipulated period.
Committee president Satyajit Suratkala addressed reporters, explaining that the coalition brings together MRPL local contract workers, members of the fourth‑phase land‑acquisition protection committee from Kuttettur, Permude and Teng Ekkaru, as well as recent explosion victims and environmental activists from Kalavaru. The group aims to secure job stability, medical benefits and an end to discrimination for every contract worker employed by MRPL.
Suratkala stressed that the promises made during the fourth‑phase land acquisition—particularly regarding employment and related facilities—must be honoured. He highlighted the dire situation of Kalavaru residents, whose homes lie adjacent to the third‑phase project compound wall and who now live under constant threat after severe damage to their properties.
The petition calls for the government and MRPL to purchase the affected land and provide the same amenities granted to other displaced families. It also seeks direct hiring opportunities for eligible locals beyond the evicted groups. Additional grievances include stagnant water, foul odours emanating from industrial units and a shortage of basic infrastructure funding for surrounding villages.
To address these issues, the committee proposes the formation of a monitoring panel comprising district officials, elected representatives and committee members. The panel would convene every three months to review progress and ensure compliance.
Present at the press briefing were chief convenor Shashiraj Shetty Kolambe, social activist Prasanna Ravi, KPTMS district president Yashpal Salian, fourth‑phase committee head Sudhakar Shetty, local leader Doni Suvaris and Bal Gram Panchayat president Shankara Joggi.
Image: varthabharati.in
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati DK