CUTTACK: Despite strict directions from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) against littering riverbanks, the Mahanadi riverfront near Jobra Park in the city has turned into a dumping ground for garbage and construction waste causing inconvenience for local residents.
Heaps of garbage and concrete waste can be seen dumped on the river bank, especially the 100 metre stretch from Jobra Park to Sikharpur, posing threats of environment and water pollution. Local residents complained that not only private vehicles but also those tagged with the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC), dump garbage in the area without thinking about its repercussions for the environment. They further alleged that the corporation had been turning a blind eye to the situation.
Some city-based environmental activists pointed out that the NGT had issued direction to protect the riverbank from pollution and encroachment which included prohibition on dumping of solid, liquid or hazardous waste within a 500-metre stretch. The CMC is responsible to enforce these guidelines, they added.
“The CMC should put up signage and hoardings prohibiting the dumping of garbage and construction waste besides erect barricades to restrict the movement of vehicles carrying garbage and construction waste near the riverbank. Dumping of garbage on the riverbank is a clear violation of the NGT guidelines. It will pollute the river and harm aquatic life,” said social activist Abhay Pattanaik.
Had the CMC authorities asked the local police stations to keep a close watch on dumping of waste near the Mahanadi and Kathajodi river banks, such activities would not have happened, he added.
While CMC commissioner Kirandeep Kaur Sahota could not be reached for her comments, mayor Subash Singh said he would visit the riverbank to take stock of the situation following which steps would be taken for clearing the garbage and construction waste.