It was a treat to watch around 30 young students shouting in one voice "MRPL namege beku beku" towards the fag end of a Safety Clinic and Community Awareness programme organized by Environment, F&S and CSR Depts of MRPL at Bala panchayat.

There is no doubt that we handle hazchem and fire is a dangerous byproduct of our industry, as also emissions. But it is also a very valid point that the entire complexity of our life today, the entire spectrum ranging from the essentials to the luxurious that sustain our lifestyles are supported by petroleum products. The world is NOT able to move, enjoy, live... without petroleum. Nations cannot progress, economies will tailspin without petroleum. Hence the need for cutting edge technology, safest, most environment friendly, most cost effective, best encon value refineries.

MRPL is one of India's best and with Shri Basu's vision we will set our own benchmarks in safety practices, environment norms et al...way ahead of what is mandated by the Govt. We are already thinking ahead and hence we are able to reap awards and notch up industry records.

However, we are not often understood by the common man. And in any case, in line with our proactive approach, building community awareness and disaster preparedness is ours to do from a CSR perspective.

Hence the need for dialogue with different stakeholders through the safety clinics etc...and a chance for the people to understand India's need for, and pride in an asset like MRPL. When this was explained the crowd at Bala was unanimous in their support of MRPL.

Here is a report of the Bala initiative, filed with help from Manjunath of Environ dept :

Environment and Safety Dept. in association with Fire and Safety department & CSR had organized a half day "Community awareness Programme on "Environment Protection Awareness, Fire fighting, Safety, Environment protection for the benefit of general public of Bala village residents and the students of DKZPHP School, Kuthethoor, Mangalpete on 23/10/2009 at the premises of Bala Grama Panchayat.

The Programme began with a welcome address by our Shri P.P.Shenoy, GM (E&S) and was formally inaugurated by Shri. Lokesh Shetty, President Bala Brama Panchayat, Shri. M.N Jakkanavar, Dy. Director of Factories, Shri. B.Rajesh, Environment Officer, Shri. P.P.Upadhaya, GGM ( R/I) Refinery, Shri. Gregory Pathrao, Vice President ,Bala Grama Panchayat lighting a jyothi.

Everyone on the makeshift dais on the portico of Bala Panchayat spoke in turn.

Shri. B.Rajesh, Environment Officer, expressed that Environment protection is the responsibility of every individual. He spoke about carbon footprints, about climate changes and very many other threats to our lives caused by ecological damage and environment pollution. Environment pollution is caused by irresponsible conduct, he pointed out.

(The point that must be noted here is that, earth has the power to heal itself, we will perish if we continue like this. We have enough recorded history to know that Nature reclaims its due if man undermines the balance.)

Shri. P.P.Upadhaya, GGM (R/I) explained the measures taken by MRPL for protection of environment and facilities available in the refinery to control fire. "Our engineers are trained to handle hazardous chemicals and we have trained people to ensure safety", he said. He assured the public that there is no need to worry that MRPL is careless and our working will destroy the villages around as we are aware of the hazards and we will not kill our employees or risk the lives of the people in the township as they will be the first victims.
Shri. Gregory Pathrao, Vice President Bala Grama Panchayath emphasized the need for such dialogues and awareness programmes. He also mentioned the environment related problems faced by the villagers, like foul smell etc.

Our Manjunath, H.V, Dy. Manager (Environment) also spoke about environment protection measures taken up by MRPL and the monitoring systems for environment related issues as per the guidelines of Pollution Control Board.

Shri. M.N Jakkanavar, Dy. Director of Factories explained the objective of the programme, which was to build understanding and he said he could not stress enough on the need for preventive vigilance of leaks and fires within the refinery. He underlined the fact that MRPL has got the requisite man power and equipments to take care of the fire incident quickly.

Then Shri Bhaskar Shetty, Dy. Manager (Fire & Safety) took the floor and started a lec dem on fires and fire fighting and rescue, along with his team. There were exclamations and awe as he concluded his show.

Leaflets containing activities of MRPL and duties and responsibilities of nearby residents in case of an Industrial Emergency were read and distributed in Local/English language to all the participants. The entire team of Operations, Technical Services, Fire and Safety and CSR participated in this programme.
MRPL, in harmony with Nature !