The Sewa Paper Mill of Gaganapur, here has given compensation to the farmers who sustained crop loss due to effluents of the mill.
The farmers in Dhanpur distributary areas under Upper Kolab project had been complaining of discharge of toxic water by the paper mill to Dhanapur canal system which was affecting the crops in Kaliagam, Anta, Phampuni and Dhanpur panchayts.
Taking a serious view on the matter, Dhanpur Distributary Committee leaders had filed a petition before the Jeypore Sub-collector demanding compensation.
Hearing the pleas of the farmers, the Sub-collector inquired into the matter.
Odisha State Pollution Control Board members took up the matter with the paper mill officials and found the allegations true.
Later, the Sub-collector directed the paper mill to pay the compensation to the 77 farmers.
On his order, paper mill paid Rs 3.71 lakh to the farmers.