High cyanide, phenolic compounds in Jajpur rivers

Jajpur: Pollution in Brahmani, Kharashrota and Gandanal rivers has gone up with the presence of toxic cyanide and phenolic compounds in water samples seeing a steep rise. This has been confirmed by the tests conducted in the central laboratory of the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB).

Scientists urged SPCB members to take immediate measures to reduce pollution level in these rivers to ensure that lives of people and animals dependent on rivers are not affected. SPCB members are directed to prepare a report about the measures to be taken to reduce the pollution level within 15 days.

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The SPCB conducted sample test of river water after a report in this regard was published in Orissa Post December 28.

Regional members of SPCB and a team of scientists of the central laboratory had collected water samples from seven places of Brahmani, Kharashrota and Gandanala December 29. The samples were tested December 31 and a report in this connection published January 16.

According to scientists, 0.005 mg cyanide and phenolic compound in a litre of water can be adjustable. However, the toxic content is around 10 times higher than it.   

Central laboratory scientists further said release of effluents from industries like BRPL, Nilachal Ispat, Jindal Stainless Steel and Mesco into Kharashrota and Brahmani through Gandanala is the reason behind high toxic content in river waters. The industrial wastes are released into Gandanala through a nullah in Bengapatia village in the district. Waste material of Tata Steel and other industries in the locality is also drained into Gandanala and Kharasrota aggravating their toxicity.

When contacted, SPCB regional officer Dr Anup Kumar Mallick said the board has taken certain measures to reduce toxic compounds in water bodies. Industries including Nilachal Ispat, which are largely responsible for high pollution level, have been asked to pile waste materials in a pond instead of releasing them into water bodies. That apart, measures are being taken to install online water quality monitoring system on downstream of Kharashrota, he added.

Notably, SPCB based on a high court direction had ordered online monitoring system in specific places of Gandanala. In a letter September 24, 2015, watchdog asked secretary of Kalinganagar Development Authority (KNDA) to prepare a long-term action plan to check pollution in Gandanala and other rivers. The KNDA was asked to implement the direction within a month from the date of receipt. The SPCB August 10, 2014, had sent a similar letter to KNDA. However, KNDA allegedly is sitting on the letter for 16 months now.

In August 28, 2015, the high court, hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) had directed the authorities to make Brahmani and its distributaries pollution-free. The chief secretary and the secretaries of industry, mining, water resources and environment and forests; chairman of SPCB and the Central Pollution Control Board; and the collectors of Jharsuguda, Jajpur, Talcher and Keonjhar were made parties to the PIL.

The SPCB in its letter November 12 last year had directed KNDA again to prepare a detailed report on the pollution of Gandanala. However, online monitoring system has not been installed at the prescribed places.

It was alleged that since implementation of the system is very expensive, the authorities are reluctant to shoulder responsibilities.