Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Feb 12: The Nagarika Horata Samithi earlier held a protest against MRPL's Coke unit demanding its closure. They alleged that the plant was causing environmental problem and affecting the health of people living in Jokatte, Kalavaru and Kenjaru areas.

Addressing a press meet today, Sudhendu, the employees union president of MRPL said several people who work as down trade employees do not face any health problems or chronic diseases.

He also said that refineries are hazardous and pose an environmental problem.

“We are taking utmost care and force our management to do the same as well. Many media reported about the Delayed Coke Unit(DCU) causing problems, but many people working in the plant are not facing any health problems. DCU is the first plant in the entire world which is functioning without causing any accidents. This unit generates good economy to the nation and provides employment to several employees working in the refinery. The company also provides safety measures to the workers.”

Sudhendu also claimed that the employees expressed their views but these were not the views of the management. He added that the Karnantaka State Pollution Board arrived to check on environmental
pollution.

Praveen Kumar and Shiva Prasad were present on this occasion.