Dakshina Kannada DC should have concern about plight of Jokatte, Kenjar residents, says samiti

Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner H.V. Darshan should have concern about the plight of the residents of Jokatte and Kenjar and immediately settle the pending issue of acquisition of land by MRPL for creating green buffer zone for latter’s Coke-Sulphur unit, said convener of Jokatte Nagarika Horata Samiti Muneer Katipalla in Mangaluru on Tuesday. Speaking on the second day of the indefinite agitation launched by the samiti in Jokatte, Mr. Katipalla said Jokatte and Kenjar residents have been facing serious health issues from air pollution caused by the Coke Sulphur unit. The issue of acquiring land for creating green buffer zone between the unit and affected areas has been pending for a long time. “The DC should have concern for affected families and resolve the issue,” Mr. Katipalla said. The samiti started the indefinite agitation on Monday seeking completion of the process of acquiring 27 acres of land for creating green buffer zone. Meanwhile, officers from the district administration overseeing the issue said the government has approved the package of acquisition of land, which included rehabilitation and providing employment to the affected people. The process of acquisition of land is set to commence shortly, officials said.