SPCB calls for explanation from temple admin, Jusco to fix ETP at the earliest
Puri: Expressing concern over the faulty effluent treatment plant (ETP) at Srimandir, the Orissa State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) has directed Puri district collector, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and Jamshedpur Utilities and Services Company (Jusco) to fix the sophisticated plant at the earliest.
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A team, led by OSPCB assistant environment engineer RK Sethy, had collected samples of waste water released from Srimandir kitchen, comprising starch and rice gruel, treated by ETP and sent them to the central laboratory July 26. The lab report has raised doubts over the effectiveness of the treatment plant.
According to experts, there should be a maximum of 100mg of total suspension solid (TSS), 30mg biological oxygen demand (BOD) and 250mg of chemical oxygen demand (COD) per litre of ETP treated water. But, the lab report showed presence of 501mg TSS, 1,887mg BOD and 2,507mg COD for a litre of water treated.
Expressing concern, OSPCB regional officer Hadibandhu Panigrahi said the plant was installed on the directive of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2016. The central lab report which claimed the presence of excess of the particles substantiates, a defunct ETP.
“Jusco will have to show-cause in case the authorities fail to take expeditious measures to address the hazard,” Panigrahi said.
A petition filed with NGT by Subash Dutta of Kolkata in 2013 alleged the starch released from Srimandir kitchen after preparation of Mahaprasad was causing pollution. Taking note, the environment watchdog has directed the SJTA and the district administration to ensure installation of the treatment plant. In 2016, the state government has installed the modern equipment at an expenditure of at least Rs 1 crore. Jusco, being the technical assistant, was vested with the maintenance of the plant, sources said.
Notably, Srimandir kitchen, considered the largest and biggest kitchen in the world, consists of 10 rooms with 239 earthen ovens (hearths). There are three types of hearths – Anna Chuli, Ahia Chuli and Pitha Chuli –which prepare all kinds of of Mahaprashad. Waste water from the temple kitchen – cooked rice and after washing vegetables – is discharged through a drain along the Dakhinadwara temple after passing through a channel called Peja nala where the ETP has been installed. Waste water, treated by ETP, is consumed by numerous cattle in the Holy City.
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