Soot like carbon matter deposited widely in Jokatte

Soot like carbon matter deposited widely in Jokatte

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 11, 2015:  Reports about houses, wells and other buildings in Jokatte witnessing widespread deposits of “soot  particulate matter”, the district administration has initiated inquiry with Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd. (MRPL).

 

While the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) confirmed deposits of particulate matter, Additional Deputy Commissioner stated that he had taken up the problem with MRPL. A KSPCB official said he visited the spot at 7.30 a.m. on Feb 10. The matter was found deposited in a school, a bhajana mandir and at least 25 houses, besides wells. The samples would be analysed and a report would be submitted to local unit of KSPCB.

 Democratic Youth Federation of India leader, alleged that the particles had come from MRPL’s coke unit.  KSPCB had instructed the company to take preventive steps. The MRPL managing director said they would immediately put a screen to prevent the dust from polluting nearby areas. MRPL had also promised to immediately ensure that the ambient air quality is monitored round the clock. It was being done twice a week now.

The KSPCB official said the particulate matter could cause or aggravate lung-related diseases and be dangerous for health of humans and animals apart from disturbing the envioronment.

MRPL has been claiming that all parameters as required by the rules are met. On the specific instance of particulate matter depositing on buildings, an MRPL spokesperson said the matter will have to be proved.  The incidents are causing great anxiety and stress to people aware in the area.