Odisha Krushak Mahasangh president and former MlA Bibhudhendra Pratap Das has sought intervention of the Odisha Human Rights Commission over the increase in temperature in the Angul-Talcher area due to burning of huge quantities of coal. In his complaint, Das said due to burning of a huge quantity of coal at mines by thermal captive power plants of the industries like Nalco, NTPC and MCl, the temperature is alarmingly rising in the Angul, Talcher and Odapada areas.
“If excess heat (pollution) is not controlled, the lives of human being, animals and birds will be at danger. Most of the wells and water tanks are getting dry resulting in acute shortage of drinking water facility. To control excess heat and increase in ground water level massive tree plantation and construction of big water bodies are necessary,” said Das in his petition. Das also urged the commission to instruct the Nalco, MCl and NTPC authorities dig water bodies along with plantation work at ten villages in block of the locality every year. Meanwhile, acting on a complaint of Das, Forest and Environment Director SB Samant directed the State Pollution Control Board Member Secretary to look into grievances of the former MlA.