nThe people of Keonjhar district, particularly of the mining areas of Joda and Barbil, are leading a miserable life due to not only dust of the mines including dust generated from reckless plying of heavy trucks on the road but also due to violation of environmental laws by some factory and mines owners.
On Thursday one Purnachandara Behera of Bilaipada brought a complaint before the Regional Pollution Control Officer that Crackers India Private Ltd, a sponge iron unit, was dumping waste materials of the factory on a Government plot near his house creating massive air pollution.Behera, a native of Bilaipada village under Joda block has been under constant mental stress since last two months due to acute pollution in the area.It is alleged that gradually accumulation of the coal dust has already taken the shape of a small mountain and dusts are flying in the surrounding and pouring into nearby houses.Behera was threatened of dire consequences when he objected to dumping of dust by Prafulla Barik and Bhakata Bandhu Barik. When contacted, Regional Pollution Control Officer Puskar Behera told that he would inquire into the matter. Behera also aired grievances before Tehsildar, Barbil and Beat house in charge , Bilaipada.
Beat house in charge Ajhar Khan told he would definitely look in to the matter. However, Crackers India Group of Companies GM BD Sahoo said if dumping was creating pollution, the transport orders might be cancelled.