Balasore: The Budhabalang is quietly suffering the consequences of unbridled pollution caused by two large drainage systems, which empty into it tonnes of solid waste and sewerage generated by Balasore town on a daily basis.
Thousands of people living in 30 riparian villages of 11 panchayats under Remuna and Sadar blocks are allegedly affected by various diseases due to use of polluted river water.
Locals apprehend that if pollution in the river water is not checked, they will be suffering from health hazards that will soon take epidemic proportions.
Locals have long been demanding treatment of water passing through the Mahanal drain before it is released into the river, but no action is being taken.
Fish and other aquatic creatures are often found dead in the water, in hard-hitting evidence of the high levels of pollution that has gripped the river.
According to reports, a sharp rise in population and the number of buildings in the town has led to a corresponding increase in effluents being discharged into the drainage systems. Lack of proper sewerage treatment coupled with inefficient garbage disposal systems inside the town have exacerbated the crisis, say locals.
As per the 2001 census, the population of the municipality was 1.18 lakh. Now, it has run into several lakhs.
Experts say several apartments are mushrooming in the town, with many of the buildings encroaching upon drains leading to choking of the drains. But for a few areas, there is no proper drainage system in most parts of the town.
All the sewer water mixed with garbage and effluents are discharged through two drains and the drain water is released into the Budhabalang without treatment.
Tonnes of garbage are dumped into drains too. This is adding to the contamination of drain water.
Besides, dead animals are also dumped without a second thought into the drains.
Polluted water of the river is turning out to be problematic for riparian residents, who use the water on a daily basis.
“In some areas, people use the river water for drinking purposes and cooking. Domestic animals also drink the contaminated water,” locals said.
Balasore town has been included under the Centre-sponsored AMRUT Yojana, under which it is entitled to better civic facilities. Safe drinking water, good sanitation, electricity and communication are major components of the project.
An expert team had explored the possibility of using the water of Budhabanlang for residents, but found it unfit for consumption due to the drastic pollution levels.
The team’s report suggested using water from Sone river for drinking. A plan has been drawn up and the project entails supplying water from Sone at Naharakanta, about 1km from the town.
Though the expert team found the Budhabalang water to be polluted, the civic body authorities and the district administration are not paying heed to checking its pollution.
Environmentalists are worried over the rising pollution levels of Budhabalang and warned of its hazardous implications on locals and domestic animals.
“Polluted water of Budhabalang will create a severe problem for Balasore residents in the coming days. The civic body authorities should be more careful in this regard. The drain water should be treated before being released into the river. Solid waste management should be properly executed,” said Prashant Das, a local.
“A water treatment plant will sort out the problem for all. Even industrial effluents in Remuna area are released into the river. I will take up the issue with the Orissa State Pollution Control Board,” said Anirudha Das, a local environmentalist.
Alok Sahu, chairperson of Balasore municipality, said there is a proposal to treat the drain water before releasing it into the river. A proposal to this effect will be sent to the state government soon, he said, adding that a site has been identified at Chunabhati area for dumping of the waste and garbage, but requisite permissions are yet to be granted. PNN
