Media Release

Mangaluru, Oct 2: During the times of Covid Crisis Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) has joined hands with District Administration and State Government for the preservation of precious wildlife. MRPL’s contribution was recognised by Zoo Authority of India as one of the three significant contributors to the cause.

During the sudden and extended lockdown due to COVID-19 Pilikula Nisargadhama suffered a huge revenue loss and funding crisis.

Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited, a government of India enterprise and a subsidiary of ONGC Ltd came to the rescue of Pilikula Zoo and adopted all the 1,250 wild animals of the zoo for 2 years at a total outlay of Rs 8.1 crore. This sponsorship from MRPL will provide fodder to these animals and also provide veterinary facilities like lab, X-ray, quarantine and medicines to the animals.

Upto recent times animals were sponsored by various organisations and individuals including celebrities. However, Covid times had seriously affected the sponsorship and the animals were staring at a bleak future.

MRPL MD M Venkatesh said, “Being a responsible organisation functioning under MOPNG of GOI, MRPL is committed to the cause of preservation of wildlife and its contribution at Pilikula is one such endeavour in the service of the society. We are committed to the wholistic development of the region while fulfilling the energy needs of the state.”

MRPL has earlier sponsored the project named ‘Let us plant a forest - Creation of Green Belt’, MRPL has planted saplings in Pilikula Biological Park at Vamanjoor, Mangaluru and developed in a total area of 50 acres at the total cost of Rs 70 Lakhs. The saplings of western ghat species were planted in 20 acres and 30 acres in two phases, Phase I and Phase II respectively.

MRPL has also signed a MoU with department of Forest, Karnataka government to develop the forest in 25 acres of land at Tannirbhavi, Mangaluru at a cost of Rs 1.45 crore.