Jajpur: Even as indiscriminate discharge of chromium mixed toxic water in Sukinda valley here by various mining firms has polluted the groundwater and is likely to affect the residents, the mines authorities have done precious little to address the problem.
The negligence in addressing the problem by various stake holders came to the fore after chairman of state environment impact assessment authority (SEIAA) SC Mohanty wrote to the Orissa State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) asking it to look into the impending problems.
Mohanty in his letter to OSPCB member secretary Rajiv Kumar has warned him against the discharge of chromium mixed toxic water which has spread all over Sukinda mining region and has polluted the groundwater and water bodies in the area.
Mohanty stated that the mining firms despite having environmental clearance and consent to operate have violated necessary norms and regulations and have pushed the lives and livelihood of residents into danger. Expressing serious concern over the matter, Mohanty asked the OSPCB authorities to take stock of the situation and act fast to stem the rot.
Reports said the discharge of toxic water has affected over 10,000 residents of Kamarda, Mashasahi, Hatisahi, Saruabila, Gurujanga, Ostapal, Kuchidabanka, Kusumaghuta, Kalrangi and Ramsola in Jajpur district and Krushnapur, Odisha, Barua, Mathakhoksa, Balijhati under Bhuban block in adjoining Dhenkanal district as the discharged water gets mixed in Damsala nullah on which the residents depended for their needs.
OSPCB regional officer Anup Kumar Nayak said the board is trying to implement the SEIAA directives and has asked every mine to install effluent treatment plants on their premises. Firms like Facor, Tata mines and Balasore Alloys have carried out the order, Mallick added. PNN
