May 6th 2024.
The district of Kendrapara, located along the coast, is home to a large agricultural community. However, the lack of major industries means that most residents rely on farming for their livelihoods. Unfortunately, the presence of toxic effluents from nearby companies has turned life into a living nightmare for the people here. These chemicals have contaminated the waters of the seven rivers that flow through the district, making them unfit for consumption by humans and animals alike. Even using the water for agricultural purposes is no longer an option.
The main culprits behind this pollution are companies located in the neighboring districts of Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Jajpur, and Bhadrak. Locals have reported that these industries not only release toxic chemicals into the water but also into the air, causing harm to both marine life and the greenery in the district. Despite repeated pleas to the district administration to take action, nothing has been done to prevent or control the pollution. Frustrated residents have now turned to the National Green Tribunal for help.
Environmental activist Samarendra Mahali has raised concerns about the serious health issues caused by the toxic effluents and fumes emitted by these industries, including the risk of cancer. He accuses the district administration of turning a blind eye to this problem despite being informed multiple times. Mahali plans to take legal action against the responsible companies and hopes to bring an end to this environmental disaster. He also reveals that there are 16 major industries in Jagatsinghpur alone, all located near the Mahakalpara block, and they regularly discharge harmful chemicals such as ammonia, nitrogen, hydrogen, sulphur dioxide, and chlorine into the surrounding water bodies.
Social activist Pratap Chandra Padhi shares that the Central Ground Water Board found high levels of toxic chemicals in water samples collected from various parts of the district in 2011, 2017, and 2021. A team of experts from top institutions has also reported on the alarming pollution levels and its impact on the district. They have identified the industrial units in the four neighboring districts as the main contributors to this environmental crisis, with industries in Talcher and Angul polluting the Brahmani River and those in Cuttack and Jagatsinghpur responsible for contaminating the Mahanadi.
Another social activist, Subhasis Sarangi, reveals the devastating effects of this pollution on the Bhitarkanika National Park, which has been denied a spot on the World Heritage List. He warns that if nothing is done to address this issue, it could lead to the extinction of many animals and marine creatures in the area. In response to these concerns, ADM Pitambar Samal states that the district administration has written to the state Environment department, urging them to take action against the industries responsible for polluting the district.
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