Post News Network
Joda, Dec 19: Growing mining activities in Keonjhar district have taken a heavy toll on the health of rivers and nullahs.
Many rivulets in forest areas have reportedly become extinct while water pollution is on rise in rivers like Baitarani and Suna. Tonnes of soil excavated from mines have choked their flow.
In Joda area, the water flow in Baitarani has lost pace while its depth has reduced. Pollution has rendered its water unusable.
Besides, the perennial river Suna, earlier known as Kundurunallah, has been at the receiving end of mining and industrial activities.
Its course at Khandabandha near Malda has narrowed because a huge amount soil excavated from mines find its way into the river. This has initiated the process of reducing the depth of the river.
At Roida, waste and earth from a mine are being dumped along the riverbanks. In rainy season, the dumped mounds of earth flow into the river, making its bed shallower. Ultimately, the river busts at its seams in rainy season and causes mayhem in the area. 
Environmentalists, who have been keenly observing such phenomenon, linked the floods to mining activities. The case of Baitarani is no different. Significantly, as many as 10 mines under Joda circle are operating in close proximity of the river. Mining in the river basin has stoked soil erosion and resultant inflow of tonnes of earth and waste into the river.
However, leaseholders are completely blind to the impact of mining on water bodies. Some industrial units at Bileipada and Kaimati are major pollutants of Baitarani. Many miners have dumped their waste along the river at Birikala, Banduan, Gurubeda and Jajanga.
Environmentalist Niladri Bihari Mishra observed mining activities have necessitated felling of trees on large tracts in Baitarani reserve forest on Suna and Baitarani river basins. As waste dumping in rivers continues, the rivers lose their water-holding capacities, Mishra added. He also said denudation of forests has spurred massive soil erosion. Expressing concern over the problem, Mishra said many streams in forests have died slow deaths, thanks to mining.