The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an action-taken report (ATR) from the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) over the Tata plant’s alleged release of toxic-polluted water in Kalinganagar endangering lives of the people living in villages around.
Acting on a petition filed by rights campaigner Subash Mohapatra, the commission has directed the OSPCB to submit report within four weeks.
The petitioner has alleged inaction of the Forests and Environment Department authorities thereby endangering the lives of people of 11 villages by having unholy nexus with the Tata steel plant resulting in release toxic water into water bodies in Kalinganagar.
“Toxic-polluted water is being released from the Tata Steel plant into the nullah in Kalinganagar. There is a nexus between the plant and OSPCB officials,” the petitioner has contended. The residents of Nuagaon village in particular, which is located near the Ganda Nullah had submitted their representation to the OSPCB alleging that the Tata plant was releasing toxic and other polluted water into the nullah endangering the lives of people of villages Godigotha, Kandiakana, Baghabindha, Barigodha, Trijanga, Kusunupur, Nuagaon, Kharadi, Jodabara, Mangalpur and Balungabanda.
“The OSPCB only collects samples, but nothing tangible has happened as yet. It is a clear case of violation of the Water and Air Act,” Mohapatra has contended further.