Joda: People living in Gopa Mohanty Hutting under ward-9 of this municipality have been leading a miserable life, thanks to stink generated by waste water released by a steel company, alleged locals.
The sewage treatment plant (STP) set up by the company in west Joda region is of no use, said 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 foul smell making life miserable.
Locals alleged the STP is 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 raised with the company on several occasions, it has not yielded any results so far, lamented the residents.
A few other complainants including Archana Das, Tari Karua and some senior citizens said the toxic water is mixing up with the water of river Suna and contaminating one of the major sources of water in the town. People have been suffering from this problem for the last six months, it was learnt.
When contacted, Sunil Sahoo, corporate communication officer of Tata Steel, Joda, said the sanitation wing of the company has been informed in this regard and the issue would be resolved soon.
Tata Steel chief, Joda, Rajesh Kumar said he would visit the site and take stock of the situation.
According to well-placed sources, the sewage water is leaking through a ruptured pipe of the STP and mixing up with river Suna through a canal.
Locals demanded immediate action by the administration over the issue.
PNN