Mangaluru, April 21: The residents of Jokatte have continued their fight against Coke and Sulphur unit of MRPL which is causing problems to the residents in the vicinity. The protesters have warned of locking up the office of Pollution control board, in case the licence of the unit is renewed.
A protest was staged on Monday, under the leadership of the Jokatte Nagarika Horata Samithi, in front of the office of Karnataka State Pollution control board at Baikampady; demanding the shutdown of Coke and Sulphur units.
BS Hussain, convener of Horata Samithi addressing the protesters said, along with affecting the lives of the local residents, the units are working by violating the rules. He queried why the concerned authorities are hesitating to close the unit.
Using loud speakers which are used for functions or particular purpose could be banned. But the units operating for 24 hours, are responsible for causing sound and air pollution. He slammed at the administrations and queried that the governance which is unable to act on these, serve what purpose?
The protesters said, one year permit granted by the Pollution Control Board to operate the Coke and Sulphur units of MRPL will lapse by June end, and the permit should not be renewed at any cost, they demanded. In case the permit is granted; we may have to go forward to lock up the office of Pollution Control Board, warned the protesters.
DyFI state president, Muneer Katipalla also spoke on this occasion.
During the protest, chief’s of Horata Samithi Aboobacquer Bava, Moideen Sahrif, Mohan Kalavaru, Yamuna, Bhavani, Mayyaddi, Hakim, DyFI district president Santhosh Kumar Bajal, and others were present.
Imtiyaz B K compeered the programme.
