Groundwater use by Baleswar paper mill under investigation

In response to a letter written by the General Secretary of the Centre for Social Justice & Environment (CSJE) seeking a high-level independent probe into groundwater depletion and environmental pollution caused by Emami Paper Mills ltd here, a team of experts from the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) conducted a preliminary investigation here on Saturday.

The investigating team led by Superintending Hydro Geologist DP Pati and Assistant Hydro Geologist A Choudhury visited some places in and around the factory, took note of the dried source of water and collected samples of water for the purpose of ascertaining the groundwater quality.

"let the team submit its report to the authorities concerned. We demand that the CGWB restrict the use of groundwater by the industry in view of the plight of the people," said CSJE general secretary Rudra M Bishwal, who also accompanied the team during the investigation, adding that a further comprehensive investigation is highly needed.

While talking to the local people, Bishwal and his CSJE team learnt that almost all ponds and hand pumps have gone dry and groundwater is only available through deep bore-wells at a depth of more than 200 feet at Rasalpur and adjoining villages whereas the water level have fallen to 

a depth of over 100-120 feet at Nuapadhi and Sireipur villages.

The drinking water crisis in the villages has turned more alarming in the last four to five years after the expansion of the mill in 2006, the CSJE further learned from the complaining inhabitants.

The CSJE's letter dated 18/02/2013 addressed to the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests and its copies forwarded to the Chairman of Central Pollution Control Board, the Chairman of State

Pollution Control Board, the Secretary of the State Forests and Environment Department and the Chairman of Central Ground Water Board categorically point out a series of violations being committed by the industry."The industry is exploiting huge amounts of groundwater without complying with the conditions and guidelines of the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) for paper manufacturing and running its power plant as well, thereby causing heavy depletion of water in the surrounding areas," alleged Bishwal.