CUTTACK: Despite the instruction of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to keep the Mahanadi river free from wastes, dumping of garbage on its banks continues unabated raising concern among environmentalists.
“It is a common sight to see tractors and trucks carrying garbage to the river near Ring Road and dumping it on the banks without fear or obstruction. Heaps of garbage are dumped near Gadagadia Ghat by the agencies carrying out drainage and sewerage renovation works of the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC). Even construction companies and individuals dump debris of their under-construction buildings and houses. These activities have led to pollution of the river,” said environmentalist Pradipta Kishore Mishra.
This apart, the release of industrial wastes and sewer water into the river and open defecation by the slum dwellers on its banks are major sources of pollution, Mishra said.
After the NGT asked the district administration on July 15 to keep Mahanadi and Kathjori rivers free from garbage and waste materials, the Collector had asked the CMC authorities to ensure that no garbage is thrown into the two rivers.
The district administration had erected barricades on Mahanadi banks to restrict entry of tractors and trucks. Two squads were also formed to keep a tab on the erring truck drivers and individuals. While the squads were authorised to slap a penalty on violators, the Executive Engineers of Mahanadi North and South Irrigation Divisions were asked to file complaints against the errant individuals and institutions for dumping garbage.
A few months after the restrictions were imposed, the fences were demolished and the dumping process resumed. So far, not a single complaint has been filed. Collector Sushant Mohapatra said the district administration would convene a meeting to chalk out a fresh strategy to check garbage dumping on Mahanadi banks.