The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the NTPC Group General Manager, Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) and Angul district Collector seeking replies in connection with water pollution in Nandira rivulet and Brahmani river allegedly caused by the Talcher Thermal Power Station (TTPS).
The NTG issued notices upon hearing a petition filed by a local lawyer, Gadadhar Samal, in this regard.
Samal contended that the 460-MW coal-based TTPS, a unit of the NTPC, has been discharging untreated water and ash slurry directly into Nandira rivulet, which finally joins Brahmani after 2 km. Such contaminated water has caused skin diseases and gastro intestinal disorders in humans and affected aquatic animals also.
He too mentioned that ash pipe breach has turned to be a regular phenomenon for which the Nadira rivulet is facing a silent death.
Appearing on behalf of the petitioner, lawyer Sankar Prasad Pani argued that Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act 1974 has been violated and, hence, the respondents may be directed to restore the original status of Nandira and Brahmani and imposed exemplary penalty.
The NGT directed the OSPCB to make an inspection and submit report in regard to the pollution allegation. It was also asked to take action as per the law, if required.
The next date of hearing is set for October 7, 2016.