Concerned over the pollution of Brahmani, Kharashrota and Gandanal rivers due to release of effluents from various industries, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an action-taken report (ATR) from the State Government within four weeks.
Responding to a petition filed by human rights campaigner Subash Mohapatra, the apex rights body has served notices to the Chief Secretary and the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) Chairman seeking the ATR.
Mohapatra pleaded that there has been a steep increase in presence of toxic cyanide and phenolic compounds in the water of the rivers affecting the lives of many people and animals. He contended that even tests conducted by the OSPCB on water samples drawn from the rivers have confirmed the presence of the toxic chemicals.
“Industries, including Nilachal Ispat, largely responsible for high pollution level, have been asked to pile waste materials in a pond instead of releasing them into water bodies. There is no monitoring mechanism available for checking water quality downstream of Kharashrota and other rivers”, he alleged.
Regional members of the SPCB and a scientists’ team of the Central laboratory had collected water samples from seven places of the three rivers on December 29. The samples were tested and a report in this connection was published on January 16.
“According to scientists, 0.005 mg cyanide and phenolic compound in a litre of water is acceptable. However, the toxic content is around ten times higher than that,” Mohapatra added.
The scientists confirmed release of effluents from industries like BRPl, Nilachal Ispat, Jindal Stainless Steel and Mesco into Kharashrota and Brahmani through Gandanala. The industrial wastes are released into Gandanala through a Nullah at Bengapatia village in the district.