Paradip, Jan 30 (LocalWire)- Yesterday, the Odisha Pollution Control Board (OPCB) taking strict action against the Paradip based industries causing both air and water pollution has imposed a fine of Rs 1 crores on six industries and Rs 25 lakh on five hotels in Paradip.
In 2017, the Central Pollution Control Board had entrusted the Indian Institute of Technology, (IIT) Delhi, with the preparation of a Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index (CEPI) in Paradip. The CEPI for critically polluted zone stands at 70.
A Severely Polluted Area (SPA) lies between 60 and 60.9. Paradip comes under the SPA administration. The administration has prepared an action plan to reduce the pollution level in Paradip.
Despite this, no improvement in the situation has been observed so far. Industrial pollutants allegedly affect the water bodies passing through the Paradip industrial area. The oil leakage from Indian Oil Corporation’s pipelines has become a recurring phenomenon resulting in the deaths of thousands of aquatic animals in the area.
Gypsum, an industrial waste from fertiliser plants, has also contributed to the water pollution in this area.
Air pollution has also emerged as a major health hazard in the area as the air is often heavy with dust particles resulting from the transportation of ores. This dust settles on plants in and around the town.
The Paradip Port Trust, two fertilizer units PPL & IFFCO, IOCL, Goa Carbon Pvt Ltd. ABN Beverages Pvt Ltd and other hotels in this area are causing enormous damage to the environment, but nothing has been done to tackle with the situation in Paradip.
Ramesh Chandra Ekka, the Regional Officer, (OPCB), informed LocalWire that PPT, PPL, IFFCO, IOCL, Goa Carbon and ABN Beverages Ltd. have been asked to deposit a fine of Rs 1 crore each within seven days of the proceedings failing which legal action will be taken against these industries.
He also told us that hotels like Hotel Empires, Golden Anchor, Hotel Paradeep International Hotel have been fined Rs 25 lakh each.
The locals have raised complaints several times regarding the discharge of effluents into water bodies in Paradip.
Edited by Meenal Singh
LocalWire
She is a member of the Ma Budhi Mangala women self-help group. Pisciculture has helped her earn around Rs. 3000 to Rs. 5000 per month, she told LocalWire.