Joda: People living in Gopamohanty Hutting under Ward-9 of this municipality have been leading a miserable life, thanks to the stink generated by waste water released by a steel company.
The sewage treatment plant (STP) set up by the company in west Joda region is of little use, alleged Somnath Mohanty, Sushila Mohanty and others.
Though the plant is connected with the sewage tank of the residential quarters of the company, the STP authorities are releasing the water into a canal which passes through human habitation. This generates unbearable stench making life miserable.
Locals alleged the STP has been releasing dirty water into the canal every day at least for two hours and people have to keep their doors and windows closed at that time. Though the matter has been discussed with the company on several occasions, it has not yielded any results so far, lamented the residents.
A few other complainants including Sahadev Karua, Tari Karua and some senior citizens said the toxic water is flowing into River Suna and contaminating one of the major water bodies of the town. People have been suffering from this problem for the last six months, it was learnt.
Sources said, the sewage is leaking through a ruptured pipe of the STP and polluting the river Suna through a canal.
There is a Bodhi or peepal tree in the ward where the locals have been worshiping it for years. Due to the sewage treatment plant the locals have stopped visiting the place of worship, said Sahadev.
When contacted, Asish Kumar Acharya, corporate communication officer of the steel company, said the company’s sanitation wing regularly checks if there are any leakage in the sewage treatment plant. As per the company sources, there is no leakage in the treatment plant.
He further clarified the sanitation wing of the company has been informed in this regard and the issue would be resolved soon.
PNN
