Expressing concern over pollution in the Chilika lake caused by the Gangua nullah, the Orissa High Court has directed the State Government to address the issue on a priority basis.
Hearing a writ petition which the court has registered suo motu on threat to ecology of two wetlands, Chilika and Bhitarkanika, the court on Thursday reviewed the matter relating to entry of waste water from the Gangua nullah into Chilika through the Daya river.
The court directed the Government to hold a high-level meeting of the State Pollution Control Board, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation and local residents to find a solution for the toxic Gangua nullah. The court also asked the Government to file an affidavit on conclusion of the meeting during next hearing.
During hearing of the petition, Amicus Curiae Mohit Agarwal presented the fact regarding pollution in Chilika caused by Gangua.
Sources said a State Pollution Control Board Member also admitted that waste water from Gangua is entering into Chilika via Daya river.
This apart, the HC emphasised on formulation of a policy by the Chilika Development Authority and the Revenue Department for the fishermen and non-fishermen communities during eviction drive of illegal prawn gheris (enclosures) at Chilika. The new policy has to come up in two months.
The court directed to file a response in the cases registered in violation of the Centre’s Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) Act. It asked the CAA Secretary to remain present during next hearing scheduled on October 26.
The Gangua nullah, a freshwater stream, has turned into a drainage system as domestic and industrial wastes from the city are being discharged into the watercourse. The 35.7-km-long Gangua nullah discharges about 652 cusecs of water into the Daya river.
Over 120 million litres of liquid waste carried through nine drainage channels from Bhubaneswar city enters in Gangua every day.