Angul: The state government’s efforts to industrialise Angul and Talcher towns to achieve economic growth has resulted in an unprecedented rise in pollution in the area, so much so that the two towns are now the highest-polluting regions in the state.
This was revealed in a survey report published by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The CPCB during its survey of these two areas found that pollution levels have reached alarming levels, resulting in the quality of life taking a severe hit in these areas with residents complaining that their living standards have taken a severe downturn.
The CPCB after completing its survey submitted its report to the state pollution control board and has asked it to examine it and take immediate action to contain the pollution. The state pollution body after receiving the directive has asked its regional unit in Angul to take action and submit a report.
Sources said the CPCB carried out the survey from 2010-11 and from 2014-15 in various industrial regions of the state where it made a detailed study of the pollution levels, causes and possible solutions. The CPCB during its survey used a comprehensive environmental pollution index (CEPI) to study the pollution levels in these two regions. The report terms rapid industrialisation as the root causes behind the increasing pollution in these two towns. It has marked polluting industrial units in red, orange and green colours.
The industrial firms that have been marked red are the most polluting units. In 2010, there were 26 such units in Angul and Talcher but over the years the numbers have grown and have reached 31 in 2015. Most of the polluting units marked red, are power and steel, aluminum plants as well as coal mines. Similarly, small units like stone crushers, health centres and hotels also substantially contribute to air pollution, the report said.
According to CEPI, the pollution level is deemed to have reached an alarming stage if it crosses 70 points. It is considered to be close to critical if it is within a range of 60-70 points and is deemed to be average if it remains less than 60 points. The CPCB in its report said pollution level is over 70 in four places of the state. While it is 82.09 in Angul-Talcher region, it is 74 in Ib valley, 73.34 in Jharsuguda and 69.26 in Paradip.
According to the score, industrial zones in Angul and Talcher have been placed on the critically polluted area list. In this region, air, water and groundwater pollution level is over 60 and is spread over an area of 350 km which includes some areas in Odapada block of neighbouring Dhenkanal district.
According to the 2011 census, over 2.12 lakh people live in the most polluted regions of Angul and Talcher. PNN