Land acquisition: Nagarika Horata Samiti withdraws 8-day dharna after DC agrees to demands

Mangaluru: Following Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner's assurance on initiating acquisition of 27 acres of land, identified for Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited's (MRPL) green belt within six months, the eight-day long day and night dharna was withdrawn by Nagarika Horata Samiti, Jokatte, on Monday.

Residents of Jokatte, Kalavaru, and Kenjaru villages, who have been affected by pollution from the coke sulphur unit, had begun the day and night dharna under the aegis of “Nagarika Horata Samiti” since May 17.

The demands of protestors included immediate acquisition of 27 acres of land identified for the proposed green belt of MRPL and the completion of promised rehabilitation measures within a fixed timeframe.

At a meeting convened on Monday by Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Darshan H V, assured that the legal procedures for land acquisition through Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) would be completed within six months and that the acquisition process would commence within that period. Based on this assurance, the members of Samithi agreed to KIADB acquiring land on behalf of MRPL.

Samiti Convenor Munir Katipalla stressed that the process of initiating land acquisition should not exceed six months. The residents, to be displaced, had already agreed to a one-time compensation package under the direct purchase proposal.

Now with the land acquisition process to be completed by KIADB, they demanded that all rehabilitation benefits being offered to Permude villagers under MRPL’s fourth phase land acquisition package should also be extended to the affected residents of Jokatte.

Protest withdrawn

They demanded that the 18-month house rent compensation included in the fourth phase rehabilitation package should also be provided to Jokatte residents.

In addition, they urged authorities to ensure proper protection for residents living in houses that are on the verge of collapse. After the meeting, Muneer briefed residents about the decisions at the venue of protest.

Based on the collective opinion of protestos, the eight-day protest was withdrawn.

But the Samithi as resolved that if the land acquisition process does not proceed according to the agreed schedule or if it is delayed, the agitation would be resumed with greater intensity," Muneer warned.

The meeting at deputy commissioner's office was attended by DK MP Captain Brijesh Chowta, Moodbidri MLA Umanath Kotian, MRPL Managing Director Mundkur Shyamprasad Kamath among others.