local MlA Dilip Ray has expressed deep concern over the rising temperature in the State and the current heat throwing life out of gear.
Over the years heat wave has killed many people in the State, but unfortunately there is very little solution. Rapid urbanization has substantially reduced green cover without any accompanying initiatives to replenish the greenery. The problem has further been complicated by accumulation of hazardous solid waste emanating from various industries, he said.
Around 70 million tonne of waste is released from industrial bodies every year in the State and nearly 25 million tonne ash is emitted annually which pollutes the environment as most of those are left untreated. As per the MoUs signed by the State Government, 24 more thermal power plants will be set up in Odisha which will discharge nearly 95 million tonne ash. Similarly aluminium refineries, blast furnaces of the steel plants and fertilizer plants are emitting huge wastes, very little of which is recycled and used for productive purposes. The smoke and dust from the plants contribute to the heating up of the ambient air and cause the temperature to rise. The untreated waste pollutes the rivers and groundwater at many places compounding the water crisis during the summer, he told.
Ray demanded that the industries in the State must be bound to adhere to proper waste management protocols and compliance with statutory norms regarding waste management. The Government should properly monitor the waste recycling regimen of the industries and ensure the desired adaptation of green technology by them. A coordinated effort towards environment protection could reduce the causative factors of heat and help in maintaining proper climatic conditions, opined Ray.