Talcher/Kaniha: Ash-mixed water from an NTPC ash pond has started flowing into river Brahmani, triggering concern among locals and environmentalists.
Though such things have been happening throughout the year, the NTPC authorities have not paid heed to them. In such circumstances, the role of the Odisha State Pollution Control Board and the administration has come under a cloud.
A few years ago, ash-mixed water of the ash pond used to pollute Bankhuli creek. But now, a huge amount of such water has been flowing into Tikiri and Brahmani since Monday night.
With Brahmani and the creek water getting polluted, it has endangered the life of people and domestic animals. Locals lamented that they have to face multiple health hazards while the NTPC authorities and the administration have been sitting quiet.
Those who prefer riverbanks for picnicking too face danger as they use river water for cooking food.
Sridhar Sahu of Takua village said, “Over the years, we have been using the river water. Bathing in ash-mixed water has caused skin diseases. Even ash flows into village drains.”
Several other locals like Karna Kumar Bhutia and Sourabh Pradhan were sore over this problem. Pradhan warned of an agitation over the issue.
LD Sahu, an official (ash pond management) of the NTPC, said, “We feel helpless for shortage of space to trap the ash. We are taking steps to stop its flow into the river. The water has been stopped.”
Public relations officer Amit Behera said the dyke of the ash pond has not been fully functional. “Only 50 per cent of the dyke has been used due to resistance from locals. The problem will be sorted out soon,” he added.
PNN