Mangaluru: Representatives of MRPL contract workers, land losers and residents affected by the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) and Mangalore Special Economic Zone (MSEZ) projects have urged the authorities to address their long-pending grievances, setting October 31, 2026, as the deadline for a response.
In a representation submitted to the authorities, the groups raised concerns over workers’ welfare, rehabilitation of land losers, environmental pollution, safety of residents living near industrial facilities and the provision of basic infrastructure in surrounding villages. They warned that they would launch an intensified agitation if their demands were not addressed by the deadline.
The representation comes amid heightened concern following a recent explosion and the reported damage suffered by residents of Kalavaru. The signatories said the incident had reinforced the need to review the impact of industrial projects on workers and neighbouring communities.
Seven key demands submitted to authorities
The representatives said the arrival of MRPL and MSEZ had initially raised expectations of development, local employment and improved living standards. However, they expressed concern that the adverse effects of the projects were increasing, while several commitments made to affected communities remained unresolved.
The representation identifies seven major areas requiring intervention.
1. Contract workers’ welfare and safety
The groups have called for discussions to resolve the demands of contract workers employed at MRPL. Their demands include job security, access to medical facilities, the elimination of workplace discrimination and the introduction of a system to promptly notify workers about emergencies and industrial incidents.
They have also sought employment and additional compensation for the family of the late Keshava, who, according to the representation, lost his life in an incident allegedly linked to official negligence.
The representatives urged the authorities and the company to address these issues to improve workers’ welfare and ensure better workplace safety.
2. Benefits for MRPL Phase 4 land losers
The representation calls for employment and other promised facilities for people affected by land acquisition for MRPL Phase 4.
The signatories said assurances had been made to affected families during the initial land acquisition process. They have urged the authorities to ensure that the commitments are honoured and that eligible families receive the employment opportunities and other benefits they were promised.
3. Acquisition and rehabilitation concerns in Kalavaru
The safety of residents in Kalavaru has emerged as another major concern following a recent incident that reportedly caused significant damage in the area.
According to the representation, homes and agricultural lands in the locality are situated close to the compound wall of the MRPL Phase 3 project. Residents are said to be living in fear because of the proximity of their properties to the industrial facility.
The representatives stated that many residents were demanding a formal government notification for the acquisition of their lands. They have sought benefits and facilities comparable to those extended to other people affected by MRPL projects.
The demand centres on addressing the concerns of residents who believe their continued presence near the industrial facility places them in a vulnerable position. The signatories have urged the government to examine their grievances and take appropriate action.
4. Employment opportunities for local residents
The groups have also demanded that direct employment opportunities be reserved for other eligible local residents, apart from those whose lands were acquired for the projects.
They said local people should have access to employment opportunities generated by major industrial establishments operating in the district.
The demand seeks to ensure that the benefits of industrial development extend beyond families directly affected by land acquisition and reach the wider eligible local population.
5. Pollution and village infrastructure
Environmental concerns around MRPL and MSEZ also feature prominently in the representation.
The signatories have sought action to address sewage and wastewater issues in the industrial vicinity, as well as foul odours allegedly emanating from companies operating in the area.
They have further demanded that the organisations allocate funds towards maintaining and improving basic infrastructure in surrounding villages.
The issues raised include the environmental impact on nearby communities and the need for industrial establishments to contribute to local infrastructure in areas affected by their operations.
The representatives urged the authorities to ensure that these concerns receive attention alongside the broader demands relating to employment, compensation and safety.
6. At least 75% of CSR funds for district development
The representation calls on the companies to allocate at least 75% of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds towards the development of Dakshina Kannada district.
The signatories said a greater share of CSR expenditure should benefit communities in the district where the industrial projects operate and where residents experience their effects.
They have sought a more focused approach to local development through CSR spending, including support for infrastructure and community needs.
7. Joint committee and quarterly reviews
To prevent the recurrence of unresolved grievances, the groups have proposed the formation of a committee comprising the Deputy Commissioner, public representatives and representatives of the affected groups.
They have also demanded review meetings once every three months to monitor progress and ensure that decisions are implemented.
The proposed mechanism is intended to provide a regular platform for discussing workers’ concerns, land acquisition commitments, environmental issues and local development requirements.
The signatories believe a structured review process would help improve coordination among the authorities, the companies and affected communities.
Agitation warning issued
The representatives have warned that they would be compelled to launch an intensified agitation if an appropriate response addressing all their demands is not received by October 31, 2026.
Copies of the representation have been addressed to the Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister, the Member of Parliament representing Dakshina Kannada and the MLA representing the Mulki-Moodabidri constituency.
The representation was signed by Satyajit Surathkal, president of the MRPL-MSEZ Contract Workers and Sampra Struggle Committee, and chief organiser Shashiraj Shetty Kolombe, among others.
Those associated with the initiative include Dinakar Shetty, Prasanna Ravi, JD(S) youth leader Akshith Suvarna, Ratesh Karkera, Hitesh Rai, Adarsh and Doni Suvaris, a member of the Phase 4 Welfare Committee.
Other names listed include presidents Sudhakar Shetty, Praveen Pemude, Gurumurthy, Mark D’Souza and Keshava Shetty; Rohitashwa of the MRPL Maddur Association; Jayakumar Shetty; Shankar Jogi, former president of Baala Gram Panchayat; and Santhosh Korayya of the Kalavar Santruptara Horata Samiti.
The representation brings together concerns relating to industrial employment, rehabilitation, environmental safety and local development. The groups have called for a coordinated response from the government and the companies, warning that failure to address the demands by the stipulated deadline could lead to further protests.
