Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SK)

Mangaluru, Jun 3: Nagarika Horata Samithi led by Muneer Katipalla staged a protest at Jokatte on Saturday June 3 against Ruchi Gold and other industries for releasing industrial waste into Phalguni river contaminating its water.

Speaking to media on Saturday, June 3, state president, DYFI Muneer Katipalla said, "There are many industries near Panambur and Baikampady which release chemical effluents into the Phalguni river through underground pipelines. We have been protesting against this for long time now. Many industries have been caught red-handed doing this misdeed. Patanjali, UB Beer and many other industries do not have a proper facility to dispose and segregate the industrial waste. The number of aquatic beings are decreasing because of their misdeeds. No action is being taken against the offenders.

"The district administration is least bothered to take action against Pantanjali even after receiving the notice. Well water here is not good for drinking. People are suffering from diseases including skin allergy and cancer patients are increasing in number. BJP MLAs Umanath Kotian and Bharath Shetty have not visited the spot yet,” he said.

"Due to the release of industrial waste into the river, many are facing problems. For the past 10 years, we have been facing many issues and no measures have been taken. We are in a situation of paying money to get fresh water" said a local Precilla Monteiro.

It may be recalled, Nagarika Horata Samithi led by Muneer Katipalla caught Ruchi Gold Palmolein Oil manufacturers red-handed while they were releasing industrial waste into Phalguni river contaminating its water.

Thokur gram panchayath president Farooq Jokatte, former president Kevin, Nagarika Horata Samithi leader Aboobakkar Bava, Srinath Kulal, former deptuty mayor Purushottam Chitrapura, Nithin Bangera, Manoj Urwastore, Iqbal Jokatte, Lancy Jokatte and others were present.