Food and Civil Supplies Minister Saryu Roy, who is spearheading the Save Damodar Campaign in the State, has written to Union Coal and Energy Minister Piyush Goyal seeking stern action against coal companies and power plants. Roy has mentioned in his letter that the coal companies and power plants were polluting Damodar and its tributaries despite the Union Minister's clear instructions.
Roy, who sent the letter on September 11, has also attached pictures of Bokaro Thermal Power Corporation (BTPS) with his letter and has stated that the thermal plant was leaving polluted water in the Konar River, which happens to be the biggest tributary of Damodar.
Reminding the Union Minister of a meeting convened on May 12 on the issue, Roy has said that Goyal had instructed the coal firms and power plants to ensure how they would not pollute the rivers. "You had also asked the companies to submit a memorandum on issue within three months and also send a copy of same to me," Roy stated.
"After the completion of three months on August 12, I had informed you the scenario through a letter stating that the companies have not taken any step in stopping pollution and they are maintaining their older stance on the issue. As a proof I am attaching pictures of BTPS polluting the river," Roy said.
The Minister added that BTPS has made a new ash pond, which is overflowing and the polluted water is contaminating Konar river and nearby water sources. It is clear that the public sector companies are not listening to the instructions of government, he said.
Roy requested the Union Minister to take strict action against the companies not adhering to the instructions of the government.
Notably, Goyal had given strict instruction to Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) and Coal India Companies to ensure within three months the Damodar River and its tributaries do not get polluted due to their industrial activities. He had given instruction that single drop of slurry would not be mixed in Damodar River rather it can be kept in closed loop and used in various work.
The Union Minister had said that within three months he would check the work performed by them to save the Damodar River from being polluted.
Damodar river passes through Kuru of lohardaga district and Chandwa Division of latehar district after coming out from Boda mountain. It mixes in branches of Hugli in Ganga river before Ganga Sagar.