MP assures fair compensation for land losers in MRPL green buffer zone project

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 20, 2025: Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta on Saturday assured landowners of fair and adequate compensation for properties that will be acquired for the proposed 27-acre green buffer zone by Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) in Jokatte and Bala Gram Panchayats, and Bajpe Town Panchayat.

He was speaking at a meeting of district officials and landowner representatives held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

According to a release by MRPL, the company has proposed a compensation package of ₹80 lakh per acre. In addition, each affected family (identified by door number) is to receive ₹20 lakh and a residential site in lieu of employment. A survey conducted by Karnataka Polytechnic on behalf of MRPL identified 408 door numbers within the proposed acquisition area, estimating the total cost at ₹93.96 crore.

Capt. Chowta acknowledged the concerns raised by landowners and promised to push for an improved compensation package. Deputy Commissioner H.V. Darshan instructed officials of Jokatte and Bala Gram Panchayats and Bajpe Town Panchayat to refrain from issuing new door numbers within the identified buffer zone.

Meanwhile, Muneer Katipalla, convenor of the Jokatte Nagarika Horata Samiti, criticised the proposed compensation formula, which he said mirrors the one used during MRPL’s Phase IV land acquisition in Permude. He argued that the formula disproportionately benefits large landowners and is unfair to small landholders, who make up nearly 85% of the affected population in the current proposal.

The green buffer zone was mandated by the State government in April 2016 following protests from residents living near MRPL’s Coke Sulphur unit. The Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) subsequently earmarked 27 acres for the buffer zone and directed MRPL to deposit ₹180 crore for land acquisition.

Moodbidri MLA Umanath Kotian, Gokuldas Nayak (Joint Director, District Industries Centre), Raju (Special Land Acquisition Officer, KIADB), and landowner representatives were present at the meeting.