Mangaluru: The Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) as part of its phase 3 refinery expansion and upgradation project inaugurated its Polypropylene Unit (PPU) at the MRPL site here on April 5.
Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Govt of India, inaugurated the new unit which has a production capacity of 4,40,000 metric ton (MT) per annum.
H Kumar, Managing Director of MRPL, welcomed the gathering. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the project was completed at an estimated cost of Rs. 1,803 crore. Polypropylene is one of the most widely used plastics. It also has the fastest growing market in India and the world. The addition of this unit will lead to more production of PP, thereby reducing the expenditure on its import, especially in the southern markets where the demand is 5 lakh tonnes per annum.
Abhayachandra Jain, Minister for Youth Empowerment & Sports and Fisheries, Govt of Karnataka, said that the people of this area were afraid in the beginning when they had heard that MRPL would be set-up. “But today, the people have benefited due to MRPL. The price of land in this area has gone up since MRPLbegan its presence here, people are getting the benefits.” He thanked all those who were responsible in the process of setting up MRPL. He also said that fuel has become very important and necessary today. The coke unit set up by MRPLhas been giving problems to the people living nearby, who complain of pollution. He urged the MRPL directors to solve this problem as early as possible, since such problems should be taken seriously.
Addressing the gathering MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said that Mangaluru is growing very fast. “There are many industries that have come to Mangaluru and they are doing very well. Those who keep their promises and understand corporate social responsibilities will succeed in their venture.” He kept some demands saying that many people had given their land to MRPL and they have no other source of income. “Their family members should be provided employment in MRPL. Demands of hospitals and schools should be fulfilled. Adopt some roads for development.” He also said that to bring the dream of Make in India and SwacchBharat to fruition, industries should be developed, education should be developed, tourism and agriculture should also be given importance.”
MRPL has built 9 toilets in 7 schools and the keys to the same were handed over to the respective school heads on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Dharmendra Pradhan said that MRPL is an integrated complex with a refinery, petrochemical complex, SEZ and strategic reservoir that is one of a kind in India. “The villagers living near the Sulfur plant have fears regarding the environmental impact. I will talk with them and for that purpose, I have called officials from the Pollution Control Board so that we can discuss the matter and resolve it. The people do not want to come inside MRPL. So I will go to them. The PM has said that we are not kings, that age is over. Now is the age of ‘sevaks’. We are bound to adhere all the mandates of the Pollution Control Board. We will not comprise on pollution or the safety of people.”
“In our country, even after many years of independence many people still do not have basic amenities. It is good that the hospitals in the city are improving but we should also focus on rural hospitals. Today, India is becoming more prominent in the world. Nobody can ignore the Indian market size.”
He further said, “What is not there in Mangaluru? Mangalore has MRPL, OMPL,ISPL, SEZ, NMPT, MCF, Kudremukh Steel mines, Railway head. It has strong foundations in the fields of education. If Mangaloreans decide to come back from Mumbai, half of Mumbai will remain hungry. We want to make Mangaluru to be a model “Make in India” city. We are discussing with the Kerala government to make the Kochi gas pipeline available to Mangaluru. If the pipeline is connected to Mangaluru, then it will benefit the fertilizer sector. Urea is being imported. We want to have a urea production facility in Mangaluru.”
“Re-investment in Mangaluru is required since there is a lot of entrepreneurial potential here. People from here go out and work in oil companies, but earn less. We want them to go there but with a little more skill and training, so that they can earn more. Youth should also be trained in skills. We have plans to build a World Class Skill Development Centre to train youth in hydropower and power sectors.”
Speaking on his visit to Lady Goschen Hospital, he said that he has never seen a government hospital so clean. He also said that the centre and state governments would work together to finish the renovation of Lady GoschenHospital. Recalling the story of the golden egg giving chicken was killed, he said to not cut off MRPL. “MRPL is yours. Let it grow.”
“Those who do not really need subsidies, should give them up. The same benefit can then go to the many poor who are in real need of them.” He requested theMRPL employees and everyone gathered to “give it up”.
Deputy Commissioner AB Ibrahim, Sandeep Poundrik IAS (Joint Secretary of Refineries, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India), NalinKumar Kateel (MP, Dakshina Kannada), Moideen Bava (MLA, Mangaluru North), Captain Ganesh Karnik (MLC), Vishnu Agarwal (Finance Director), N Ventakesh(Refinery Director) were also present.
