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Mahanadi Rivers Choked by Encroachment and Waste
6 Jul
Summary
- Rivers face ecological decline due to encroachment and waste.
- Inadequate water flow impacts agriculture and riverside communities.
- Crocodile attacks pose a growing threat to villagers.
The Mahanadi and its tributary, Gobari, in Kendrapada district are in a state of severe ecological decline, according to environmental experts and activists. Rampant encroachment by influential individuals has reduced the rivers' width, while indiscriminate dumping of waste and unchecked aquatic weeds obstruct natural water flow. This situation has led to frequent flooding and environmental degradation, transforming parts of Gobari into stagnant drains.
Inadequate water flow significantly impacts agriculture and the environment for nearly three lakh people in riverside villages. Farmers face challenges with irrigation, and the decline in fisheries and aquatic biodiversity is rapid. Former local officials recalled the rivers once serving as lifelines for navigation and livelihoods, attributing the current crisis to administrative apathy.
The polluted and choked rivers have become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and disease-causing bacteria, increasing instances of skin ailments, diarrhea, and jaundice. Additionally, a growing crocodile menace in riverside villages has resulted in approximately 30 deaths and numerous injuries over the past four years, posing a serious threat to residents.
Activists and participants urged the state government to launch immediate restoration and conservation measures to revive the Mahanadi and Gobari rivers, warning of potential complete ecological collapse due to continued neglect.
