The villagers of Sansaritikra under the banner of Maa Ambika Mahila Group moved the National Green Tribunal (NGT) opposing construction of an ash pond by Ib Thermal (OPGC) at Banharpalli under Lakhanpur in Jharsuguda district.
Admitting the application, the NGT has directed the Member Secretary of State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) and the Jharsuguda Collector to conduct an inquiry into the matter. Besides, the tribunal further directed to take immediate action if ash pond is not constructed as per ash pond rules and submit report before next date of hearing on January 20.
As alleged before the NGT by the group, the ash pond has been actually constructed at 20 metre distance of habitation, violating rules. The rules of SPCB provides for construction of ash pond at a distance of 500 metres from the water level of Hirakud reservoir. The ash pond constructed by OPGC also violates this rule, alleged Ambika Group.
While public hearing was held for extension of OPGC Unit 3 and 4, no hearing was done for acquisition of land to construct an ash pond. The group alleged that the ash pond would pollute the environment along with agricultural land, pond, dams etc.
Sources said on Saturday last, a tripartite meeting was held between the district administration, the OPGC management and Sansaritikra villagers. In the meeting, the villagers demanded appropriate compensation. But without settling the issue, acquisition of land was done by the company management in Tilia village for the ash pond.