Bajpe residents seek land acquisition for MRPL green belt

Residents of 150 houses in Shantigudde in Bajpe have urged the Dakshina Kannada district administration to include their four acres of land in the acquisition for the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) green buffer zone.

Speaking to reporters in Mangaluru on Friday, Siraj Bajpe, president of the Bajpe Nagarika Hitarakshana Vedike, said that 150 houses are situated on the four acres of land adjoining the MRPL compound wall. In 2007, a preliminary notification was issued to acquire this four-acre tract for MRPL, followed by inquiry notices to house owners, but no further action was taken. He said this land should be acquired in addition to the 27 acres being acquired for the MRPL green buffer zone.

A house owner, Krishnaraj, said his home was among those damaged following a blast from a fire at an MRPL unit on September 30. Mr. Krishnaraj added that such incidents have caused widespread anxiety, and while residents have repeatedly asked the government to acquire their land, authorities have failed to act, forcing them to live near the facility under constant distress. He noted that residents are also suffering from skin and other health problems due to exposure to exhaust from MRPL units.

Mr. Bajpe warned that if the government fails to acquire the four acres in Shantigudde, the Vedike will be forced to launch an agitation.