Miniratna to sponsor rejuvenation efforts

Mangaluru: In a significant step towards restoration of ecosystem, MRPL and the Karnataka forest department signed an MoU on Wednesday, to collaborate on the restoration and rejuvenation of the Kudumburu River, and its adjoining mangrove forest area. Shyamprasad Kamath, executive director (refinery) and YK Dinesh Kumar, deputy conservator of forest, signed the MoU in the presence of Sanjay Varma MD (additional charge), BHV Prasad, executive director (projects), Krishna Hegde GGM-HR and MS Sudarsan, chief general manager, health, safety and environment. The project, encompassing an expansive area of 171 hectares, includes the conservation of a mangrove forest and wetland spanning 151 hectares, and the revitalisation of the 20-hectare Kudumburu River. It will cover the geographic areas of Kenjar, Baikampady and Thokur village. MRPL will sponsor Rs 19.9 crore for the project.Sudarsan told reporters that the deteriorating condition of the Kudumburu River and wetland, primarily caused by industrial activities in and around the Baikampady industrial cluster, prompted the need for concerted efforts to reverse the ecological damage. “Illegal encroachments and the rampant dumping of domestic waste have severely impacted the freshwater flow into the wetland, hampering the natural restoration of the mangrove forest. Additionally, the resolution of water stagnation issues through enhanced brackish water flow will lead to improved water quality in the Kudumburu River and interconnected lakes,” he said. tnn
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