Emissions from thermal power plants, coal mining, refractory and sponge units of Jharsuguda district have shot up atmospheric temperature, thus making life intolerable. Especially, in the areas close to mines and industries such as the lakhanpur- laikra belt, life has gone for a toss. In view of the pollution and loss of tree cover of the district, Wildlife Warden Dhuruwaraj Naik has advised the mining and industrial establishments to launch a massive plantation drive before the onset of monsoon.
Water Initiative Odisha (WIO) convenor Ranjan Panda said power plants and industries are emitting fly ash in huge quantity resulting in decrease of the land fertility. Presence of calcium, sulphate and toxic elements such as lead is severely affecting public health. These are gradually leading to emergence of diseases such as respiratory system disorders, lung cancer and silicosis. Strong acidic rain can become one of its consequences in the near future.