Balasore: Several farmers have alleged that ground water level has gone down in Remuna area of Balasore due to excessive exploitation of groundwater by a private paper mill at Balgopalpur.
The farmers took up the issue with the District Collector.
They pointed out that the paper mill has been using ground water for its four units and three captive power plants by sinking many bore wells in the area.
The mill has been releasing its effluents into Sapan creek, leading to pollution of river Sona. Dead fishes are often found floating while domestic animals were affected with diseases after consuming the polluted water, they added.
The paper unit is also causing air pollution, leading to eye and skin diseases, alleged samiti member Krushnachandra Jena.
Many people’s representatives like Manjulata Das, Paramodini Jena, Tikina Singh, Raghunath Nayak and Bipin Marandi were upset over groundwater depletion and air pollution and warned of agitation if the administration fails to take appropriate steps in this direction within 15 days.
Regional manager of OSPCB (Balasore) PK Mohapatra said all chimneys of the unit are working 24X7 and are being monitored online. The effluents are being treated before they are released into the river while officials are checking it constantly, he added.
He also said the company has taken permission of the authorities concerned for use of groundwater use.
Collector Ramesh Chandra Rout said a committee has been formed comprising three officials to look into the allegations. “If the paper mill violates any norms, action will be taken against it,” he added.
PNN
