The district administration Bokaro gave a ten days ultimatum to Bokaro Power Supply Company Private Limited (BPSCL) and Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL) management to curtail the air pollution from fly ash waste in rural areas.
On the directive of Deputy Commissioner Bokaro Mukesh Kumar, SDO Chas Shashiprakash Singh convened a meeting with the villagers and officials of BSL and BPSCL on Saturday.
SDO directed the BSL and BPSCL officials to find out alternative routes within 10 days to solve the problem of villagers. He also asked the officials to arrange the supply of fly ash to National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
SDO said, the work of NHAI is going on in Rajganj of Dhanbad where fly ash is required in huge quantities.
According to the central government's guideline, it is also necessary to make fly available to NHAI while on the other hand, it is also necessary and solves the problem of villagers,” said SDO.
Singh said that the vehicles or dumpers engaged in the lifting of fly ash work should be completely covered.
SDO asked the official to make ensure it that all vehicles must be covered, in case of failing, strict action would be taken against the transporters and BSL and BPSCL management.
“Continuous spraying of water should also be done by BSL management on the fly ash transporting route so that dust cannot be spread in the village,” added Singh.
Notably, villagers are facing a lot of trouble due to rising air pollution in rural areas.
Air pollution born form fly ash completely disrupted the local rural lives; having a bad effect on their health, said Anil a local villager. “Vehicles used for lifting and discharging fly ash form the pounds are consistently spreading air pollution by blowing dust in and around the surrounding villages,” he added. Despite our several requests, the BSL management did not pay any heed. Later we have asked Deputy Commissioner Bokaro to solve our issue, said Shankar another villager.
Taking the matter seriously, DC directed officials to constitute an inquiry committee led by Sub-Divisional Officer Chas, so that the problems of villagers can be resolved earliest.
SDO assured the villagers that the district administration is working continuously keeping in mind their health and other needs.