MRPL hopeful of resolving opposition to land acquisition

Bengaluru: Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) today said it was hopeful of resolving the issue of opposition to the acquisition of 1,050 acres of land in Dakshin Kannada villages for its expansion.

"We don't expect much of a problem, but yes there are certain challenges which we are sure, we can overcome through dialogue with support and intervention of government of Karnataka," MRPL Managing Director H Kumar told reporters here.

Vishwesha Tirtha Swami of Pejawar Mutt is opposing the government providing 1,050 acres of land for the expansion of MRPL, contending that the farmers of the region were totally against the land acquisition.

"I am sure we will overcome this in the interest of the nation and to meet the fuel specification norms of BA-6 which is going to be implemented from April 1, 2020. I am sure people will support," Kumar said.

He said the process of Karnataka Industrial Development Board (KIADB) of identifying the land was underway and added that he was hopeful of getting consent of 70 per cent land owners.

Asked whether the company was in touch with the seer, Kumar said he wouldn't divulge much on the issue, but a public hearing would be held at some point of time.