Home / Environment / NGT Slams Odisha Over River Pollution Allegations
NGT Slams Odisha Over River Pollution Allegations
5 Aug
Summary
- NGT seeks Odisha govt and firm's response on river pollution.
- Allegations include illegal water extraction and untreated effluent discharge.
- Company allegedly built embankments, obstructing natural river flow.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has initiated an investigation into alleged environmental violations concerning the Bheden river in Jharsuguda district, Odisha. The tribunal has formally requested responses from Odisha government authorities, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and a private aluminium manufacturing company.
These entities face accusations of illegally extracting river water and discharging untreated industrial wastewater, contravening pollution control norms. A petition filed by a local resident brought these serious environmental concerns to the NGT's attention, prompting an admission of the case for a hearing.
Further details in the petition indicate that the company purportedly constructed temporary embankments using waste materials, significantly impeding the river's natural water flow. This action, alongside the alleged release of contaminated water, occurred during a period when local villages were experiencing acute drinking water shortages.
An inspection report revealed evidence of unauthorized water extraction, with a temporary pump house drawing water from the Bheden river without necessary permissions. The inspection team also noted the absence of flow meters to measure water usage and observed a pipeline discharging dark, foul-smelling wastewater directly into the river.
