The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an action taken report (ATR) from the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) on pollution in Brahmani river.
In its earlier report to NHRC, the OSPCB had revealed that total suspended solids (TSS) and cyanide content in Brahmani river water was higher than prescribed standard. Some industrial units in Kalinga Nagar were responsible for the pollution, it had informed.
The NHRC has sought the ATR while acting on a complaint lodged by India Media Centre (IMC) vis-à-vis Brahmani river pollution. Managing trustee of IMC Akhand in the complaint alleged large-scale pollution in Brahmani river has affected villagers inhabiting along its bank in Jajpur district.
“The pollution has caused many water-borne diseases. Besides, the livelihood of the villagers has been affected as the lands along banks on the two sides of river have gone infertile, resulting in low agricultural production,” Akhand alleged.
He had requested the NHRC to intervene into the matter and ask OSPCB to take strong action on the erring companies which are polluting the river water.
Notably, the SPCB in its earlier report told the NHRC that out of nine industrial units in and around Kalinga Nagar Industrial area, two companies are discharging waste water to the river. They are Neelachal Ispat Nigam limited (NINl) and VISA steel limited.
Basing on this report, the national rights body has asked the OSPCB to submit the details of actions it has taken to resolve the issue within eight weeks.
It may be noted here that standard cyanide content in surface water is 0.05 mg/l and in industrial effluent discharged to inland surface water bodies is 0.2 mg/l.