Bargarh: Pollution of water and air is emerging as another major problem in Bargarh district owing to lack of anti-pollution measures by the industrial units. Many industrial units were accused of throwing the directive of the OSPCB to the winds, a report said.
According to the report, the industrial units have failed to manage their effluents and waste disposal, leading to pollution in both air and water.
People living in the periphery of the polluting industrial units are finding themselves at the receiving end of pollution and facing health hazards. Release of effluent-mixed water is affecting farming, it was alleged.
Locals alleged that despite cases of pollution issues, the Odisha State Pollution Control Board has failed to take action against the errant units. In some cases, the pollution watchdog confines its action to serving notices to polluting units.
Recently, the regional office of the OSPCB in Sambalpur has issued show cause notices to oil manufacturing industries. The errant units have been asked to file their replies within 15 days.
The pollution watchdog also warned that if the replies were not submitted in the slated time, closure notices will be served on the errant industries.
Sri Deo Sherwali Oil Industries set up in 2013 at Gobindapur, has got operational permission from the OSPCB till March 31, 2023. The industry was found to be violating norms as prescribed by the OSPCB.
A team of OSPB had visited the oil mill February 15 and found violations in the matter of waste disposal management. Besides, air release system was in order while ash coming from broiler was dumped outside the factory.
Sri Krishna Solvent Extraction Pvt Ltd at Nagenpalli was also found to be violating anti-pollution norms. It was alleged that several other industrial units have been causing pollution in the district, but no action is being taken against them.
PNN