3 Nov 2018 | Mangalore Today
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Citing alleged damage to environment and violation of rules, a group of farmers, environment activists and fishermen, including members of the Krishi Bhoomi Samrakshna Samiti, will oppose on November 5 the meeting called by Deputy Commissioner S. Sasikanth Sentil to fix price for land acquired for the fourth phase of expansion of Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL).
The group under the aegis of Karavali Karnataka Janabhirudhi Vedike will carry out the protest near the office of the Deputy Commissioner on Monday. Vedike convener T.R. Bhat alleged that the process of the fixing rates was against norms laid down under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act 2013. Mr. Bhat said that further expansion of MRPL would pose serious harm to already polluted environment.
Lawrence D’Cunha, member of the Krishi Bhoomi Samrakshna Samiti, said that he will attend the meeting on November 5 and place their objection. Vedike member Vidya Dinker said that the protest was to raise the larger issue of damage to environment likely to be caused because of the expansion. The protest, she said, cannot be perceived as one against High Court of Karnataka order permitting the Deputy Commissioner to go ahead with fixing price.
Meanwhile, members of Samyukta Nagarika Hitarakshana Samiti comprising owners of land to be acquired, told The Hindu that they will attend the November 5 meeting and demand payment of compensation as per the 2013 Act. “We have said this in the meeting held recently in the Town Hall. We will reiterate it,” said Ronald Fernandes, president of the samiti.
