Keonjhar: With protests by people across all sections of the society for the safety of Mahanadi hogging the limelight, the movement initiated to save the holy river Baitarani, the lifeline of this district, has lost the focus, a report said.
The river plays an important role not only in the prosperity of Keonjhar but neighbouring districts like Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Balasore, Jajpur and several regions of Jharkhand.
Though mindless mining along the banks of the river and dumping of industrial waste threaten the existence of the river, lack of interest on the matter shown by elected representatives of the district has triggered resentment among the people.
Apart from mining and industrial activities, deforestation and soil erosion have silt hundreds of streams, canals and water bodies that have links with Baitarani. Many organisations and individuals had been opposing the establishment of industrial units and mining projects on the river basin citing threat to the environment and fauna, according to a report.
The Justice MB Shah Commission which was investigating the mega mining scam in the district realised the gravity of the issue and submitted a report to the Centre in this regard. Based on the report,
The ministry of environment and forest asked the state government to initiate action against 50 companies engaged in mining on the banks of Baiatarani. However, the order is yet to be carried out.
On the other hand, iron ore fines and waste released by mining companies get mixed up with the river water making it unsuitable for human consumption. The commission mentioned this problem in its report to the government.
Originating from Gonasika hill under Bansapal block in this district, the 360 km-long Baitarani meets the Bay of Bengal in Bhadrak district.
However, mining activities coupled with establishment of major industries have started polluting the river.
The major industries operating on the banks of the river included Essel Mining, KJS Ahluwalia, MS Dev, Bhanj Minerals, Adhunik, RBT, Facor, HG Pandia, TRB, Rungta, RP Sho, Jindal, Tarini Minerals, Serajuddin and Patnaik Minerals. Similarly, big companies like Jindal, Essar and BRPL are allegedly drawing water mindlessly from the river. However, no significant action has so far been taken in this regard.
If the failure of the companies in managing their waste continues, the existence of the river would be under threat, locals claimed.
With several influential persons involved in mining business and other industries, the administration is scared of taking action against them, observed social activist Mukhtar Ahmed.
Meanwhile, experts have sought an environment management plan to check pollution in the river and de-silt the riverbed to increase its water retaining capacity. Besides, extensive aforestation programmes for soil conservation would also go a long way in saving the river that carries mythological significance. PNN