In order to address the problem of eutrophication caused due to the grey water getting into the urban water bodies deteriorating their water quality and ecological function, the Odisha Wetlands Development Authority, the Forest and Environment Department, the Chilika Development Authority (CDA) and CII are jointly contemplating to promote eco-friendly technology ‘Phytoremediation’ in the State.
The CDA facilitated the visit of experts on ‘Phytoremediation’ from Israel to the wetland near Bhubaneswar airport to provide eco-friendly solution to treat this eutrophicated water body. A high-level meeting of different agencies and knowledge experts was held in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday to explore the initial steps and partnerships.
“We believe this partnership will go a long way in addressing the problem of eutrophication due to the grey water getting in to the urban water bodies deteriorating their water quality and ecological function,” said Forest and Environment Secretary RK Sharma.
“The Phytoremediation technology will be taken up on a pilot basis within the next 3 to 6 months to treat the wetlands near the airport. Based on the results, implementation plans will be drawn,” he added.
Phytoremediation is the use of plants for removal of pollutants from contaminated soil or water. Eli Cohen, an international expert on Phytoremediation, underlined that municipalities, multi-dwellings units, industry, wetlands, etc., can explore this technology for holistically addressing their waste water management related issues. He added that this technology is being used extensively in several countries. The survey work and basic information on the six acres of wetland near airport was completed by the CDA.