Several affidavits submitted before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) have stated that the Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO) is responsible for the pollution of Gangua nullah which flows through Bhubaneswar.
Furthermore, the nullah flows into Daya river while the river flows into Chilika lake, thereby leading to pollution of the two water bodies.
After a petition in this regard was filed with the tribunal, the Housing & Urban Development Department of Odisha Government, State Pollution Control Board, WATCO and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) submitted the affidavits.
A Joint Committee Report mentioned that the Gangua nullah can become pollution-free after completion of the sewerage project. However, mere 20-30-per cent work of the project has been completed till date.
In order to make the nullah pollution-free, a taskforce under the chairmanship of Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) Vice-Chairman has been formed.
The WATCO has been given a deadline of November to complete the sewerage project.
The NGT has directed the taskforce to supervise the project work and ensure that the nullah becomes pollution-free.
Earlier, the NGT had directed to form a four-member committee to examine the pollution matter. The panel in its report had said wastewater was being released to the nullah without being treated.
The WATCO has established as many as five sewerage treatment plants to treat the wastewater. However, the plants were working only at 20-30% capacity.
As per WATCO’s affidavit, three out of five sewerage treatment plants have been completed. The remaining two plants will be completed by November 30. The total capacity of the five plants is 183.5 MLD. Once the five plants become operational, wastewater will not be released to the nullah.
According to the committee’s report, the nullah has become most polluted at Sainik School, Patia, Vani Vihar, Laxmi Sagar, Bargarh, Kedar Gouri and Nicco Park in the city. This apart, 10 natural nullahs also flow into the Gangua nullah. As the natural nullahs are not being managed properly, this has led to further pollution.