Mangaluru: The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) has demanded a comprehensive investigation into the MRPL blast incident, alleging that the incident has created fear among residents living around the refinery.Dakshina Kannada DYFI president Manoj Vamanjoor and secretary Rizwan Harekala, said several houses and buildings within a radius of around 3km of the MRPL premises were damaged in the blast, which it said indicated the intensity of the explosion. DYFI claimed that it had opposed the coke and sulphur unit when the expanded MRPL project was commissioned, and had warned of the potential risks associated with the facility. DYFI alleged that several minor explosions had occurred in the industrial area earlier, but that the local authorities had failed to take adequate note of them.The Dakshina Kannada district committee of the CPM has alleged that the blast was a result of the company’s negligence, and alleged violations of environmental and safety norms, coupled with what it termed the district administration’s “soft approach” and the irresponsibility of elected representatives. Muneer Katipalla, secretary, CPM Dakshina Kannada District Committee, stated that the explosion and the damage caused were far more serious than the explanations being given by the company and district administration. It accused MRPL of attempting to downplay the intensity of the blast, and said several accidents, including incidents involving loss of life, had occurred at the refinery in the past.He alleged that residents of Jokatte and Kalavar had been facing pollution-related problems since the unit began operations in 2014.Implement health, safety measures immediately: MLAMangaluru City North MLA Bharath Shetty visited the MRPL refinery premises and inspected the site following the blast.Describing the explosion as being of an intensity that felt like an earthquake, Shetty said the incident should serve as a warning, and called for a comprehensive investigation to ascertain its exact cause. “The exact cause of the explosion must be established through a comprehensive investigation, and steps should be taken to prevent a recurrence. The family of the deceased worker should be provided maximum compensation by treating it as a special case. The company must bear the entire treatment expenses of the injured, and provide them appropriate compensation,” Shetty said.He also urged MRPL to immediately implement comprehensive health and safety measures for employees working in the facility, and ensure that workers are provided adequate protective equipment and basic safety infrastructure. “Any damage caused to houses or buildings in the surrounding areas should be assessed and appropriate compensation provided,” he said.MP visitsDakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, suspended programmes scheduled in Belthangady on Wednesday, and headed to the site to take stock of the situation. Hospitals were asked to remain prepared for any emergency. The MP urged the public to stay calm, refrain from spreading rumours or misinformation, and cooperate with the authorities.
