BHUBANESWAR: The state government has decided to hold officials of the Environment and Climate Change department responsible for pollution of rivers under their jurisdiction.
Announcing this in the Assembly on Wednesday while replying to a question, minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia said officials who fail to conduct regular water testing of rivers in their areas will lose their salary of one month.
The minister admitted that pollution of river water remains a concern in the state and constant monitoring is required in this regard. Quality test of river water is done every three months and secretary of the department has been asked to ensure that there is regular monitoring of pollution.“We cannot say quality of river water is fine everywhere.
Waste from different sources including processing units is entering rivers. Continuous testing has been instructed and if departmental officers make mistakes, strong action will be taken including salary cut,” he said.
According to the minister, discharge of industrial and solid waste, and untreated sewage is the main cause of river pollution in the state.