A team of six scientists of the Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), Cuttack visited crop fields in some villages around the Vedanta aluminium plant here to make a study on paddy damages allegedly caused due to emissions of the plant.
The team visited Bhagipali, Bhurkamunda, Katikela, Dabaka and Brundamal villages, which surround the Vedanta plant, on Friday. They collected samples of paddy plants, soil and water from the fields.
The team comprised Dr Amaresh Kumar Nayak, PC Rath, Dr BB Panda, Dr SD Mohapatra, SC Patnaik and Dr M Saheed. Jharsuguda Tehsildar Bhawesh Nayak accompanied the team.
The team would submit its report on crop loss due to Vedanta plant to the Government in a 15 days’ time.
Regional Pollution Control Board scientists were also present.
A Vedanta official, when contacted, did not give any reaction.