The Orissa High Court has directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) to furnish a scientific assessment report within four weeks on water pollution in the Brahmani river meandering through the major industrial and mining belts of the state.

It is pertinent to note here that the Mahanadi and Brahmani rivers, two major rivers of the state, are bearing the brunt of water pollution as per the report furnished in the Assembly by the government.

“A report (should) be submitted before this Court by Mr. Abhijit Pathak, Scientist nominated by Central Pollution Control Board and also the Central Water Ground Board, within a period of four weeks. Needless to say, while undertaking the work, necessary support should be given by the administrative departments of the State,” the Division bench comprising acting Chief Justice Dr. B.R.Sarangi and Justice M.S.Raman ordered while listing the matter for further hearing after four weeks.

Earlier Central Pollution Control Board informed the Court stated that it has nominated Mr. Abhijit Pathak, Scientist to execute the work, i.e., verification of the pollution of water in river Brahmani at different places of Odisha which is approved by the competent authority of the CPCB.

“Central Ground Water Board, South Eastern Region, Bhubaneswar has taken up a study in the Sukinda Valley to ascertain the concentration of toxicity of chromium in ground water. In view of this a team of officers have visited the valley area and collected the samples from various sources viz; Brahmani River, Dug-wells, Bore-wells, Hand pumps, mine pits, Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) inlet, ETP outlet, dumping sites, downstream & upstream side of Damsala nala for detail chemical analysis. The samples collected are under process of analysis.” Mr. P.S. Nayak, Senior Panel Counsel, Central Government also informed the Court.

The river water contains hexavalent chromium, which is causing pollution in the river water and bed, thereby affecting the people residing nearby areas. This Court took a serious view, as because even though the writ petition is of the year 2014, no reply has been filed by the State Authorities in spite of specific direction, the order noted.

Therefore, this Court called upon the Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha to file an affidavit by 3 January 2024. In compliance with the said order, an affidavit has been filed by the Chief Secretary, Govt. of Odisha bringing certain facts to the notice of the Court and also stating that the water quality of river Brahmani has been improved in the meantime.

It is further contended that from 2021 onwards, the quality of water has been improved and, as such, necessary steps have also been taken to keep the water condition better. It is contended that there are three places namely, Sukinda, Rourkela and Talcher, from which industrial effluents have been flown to the river Brahmani to make the water polluted.

So far as Sukinda industrial valley is concerned, the quality of the water has been improved and, as such, the authorities are taking steps to make more pollution free water to be released to river Brahmani. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the State to make the river water free from pollution and make it habitable for human consumption for those who are residing in the river bank, the Court had noted in an earlier order.