Mangaluru: Nalin Kumar Kateel, MP of Mangalore South Lok Sabha Constituency paid a courtesy visit to the office of APD Foundation situated at City Light Complex, Balmatta on Friday, April 21.

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel was accompanied by BJP Mangalore South president Vedavyasa Kamath.

He was warmly welcomed by Anti Pollution Drive (APD) team led by Abdullah A Rehman, founder and chief executive. Dr Lakshmikantha, scientific officer of Karnataka state Pollution Control Board for DK District and Udupi was also present on the occasion.

Abdullah A Rehman briefed the visiting parliamentarian about the various projects undertaken by APD Foundation for addressing air pollution and improper solid waste management related issues in Mangaluru. He was provided with up to date briefing on eight strategic research and development projects such as assessing carbon-footprint of public transport, Hasiru Balmatta, Phase Two of PFT, assessment of the impact of air pollution on auto drivers, and growth and expansion model of APD etc.

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel expressed keen interest in the initiatives taken by APD and observed that lot of vehicular air pollution is caused by vehicles installed with reconditioned engines. There is also problem of fuel adulteration, he said. He further suggested that APD should investigate water related issues as the city is facing many problems in this regard.

Subsequently the MP had an interactive session with 34 MBA students of IFIM Business School, Bangalore. These students, who belong to 12 states and two union territories, are presently undergoing internship with APD Foundation. Each of the student groups made a presentation regarding the individual project which they are pursuing in association with APD.

It was a novel and thrilling experience for the students to interact with a Member of Parliament and share their experiences. Nalin Kumar Kateel lived up to the occasion and motivated the students by listening to them and sharing his thoughts and ideas with them.

After concluding the session, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel graciously obliged request from students to pose for photographs and selfies.