Samithi Threatens Indefinite Protest Over MRPL Land Acquisition Delay

The Nagarika Horata Samithi in Jokatte has announced plans to launch an indefinite dharna (protest) in front of the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) in Mangaluru starting May 1. This action is a response to the alleged unnecessary delays by MRPL in acquiring land required to establish a 27-acre buffer zone aimed at mitigating pollution from the refinery's coke and sulphur units. Muneer Katipalla, the samithi convener, stated that a compensation package for affected residents in Jokatte, Kalavaru, and Kenjaru villages was finalized on February 4, 2026, with assurances from the Deputy Commissioner that acquisition would begin within two months. However, the process has stalled due to disputes over the acquiring authority. The samithi insists the district administration handle the acquisition under the agreed one-time cash compensation scheme, rejecting MRPL's attempt to involve the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) to waive service charges. The group argues that local villagers continue to suffer from industrial pollution and demands immediate implementation of the buffer zone plan as previously promised by district officials and political representatives.