Media Release

Mangaluru, Jan 25: Sunil Kumar, joint secretary (Refineries), MOPNG on Monday January 25 inaugurated the first unit of the MRPL's 90 ton per year capacity vermicomposting project at Mangaluru. This is the first such unit of the three large scale vermicomposting units being set up by MRPL at the expense of Rs 140 lac

MRPL is spread over a campus of 2000 acre. It generates a significant amount of solid waste in the form of fallen leaves, cut grass, vegetable waste, office waste like paper etc. MRPL had chosen vermicomposting technology as a means to convert nearly 90 tons per year of waste into 24 tons of manure or fertilizer, which is worth Rs 12 lac per year. This process thus not only helps MRPL to manage its solid waste within its campus but also provides good quality manure for its more than 500 acre of green belt that it nurtures inside the refinery.

Sunil Kumar JSR, MOPNG who was on a visit set the vermin composting process rolling and appreciated the excellent quality of the newly set up unit. He expressed his pleasure over the importance of being given by MRPL towards environmentally sustainable solid waste management technology.

A special breed of worm Eudrilus Eugeniae, also called the 'African Nightcrawler', is used as the worm for the vermin composting process in MRPL. This earthworm species is native to tropical West Africa and is being chosen for this process due to its fecund growth and ability to decompose at the fastest rate. Each worm is capable of decomposing 4 kg of solid waste per day.

Led by managing director M Venkatesh, MRPL officials explained to Kumar about the various environmentally friendly initiatives being taken up by MRPL. Sanjay Varma, director - Refinery, Pomila Jaspal, director - Finance, Rajeev Kushwah ITS, chief vigilance officer, Elango M, executive director- Projects, UV Aithal, GGM - Operations and MS Sudarsan, CGM – HSE, were present on the occasion.