22 Odisha Factories Asked To Shut Down For Pollution During Hockey World Cup

Rourkela: Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) has directed 22 sponge iron companies in Rourkela to shut their units for a month with a view to checking pollution during the FIH Men’s World Cup Hockey Championship in the steel city.

The nodal body for pollution control in the state directed the 22 companies to shut down their units from January 1 to 31.

It is worth mentioning here that the local administration has failed to lend ear to repeated complaints of heavy pollution in this industrialised region despite the fact that the water bodies, plants and houses in the steel city and adjoining areas are severely affected.

Social activist Prafulla Samantray has been vocal against the growing air and water pollution by the industries in the region. Even the chief secretary had been apprised about the issues during his recent visit to the steel city to review preparations for the international sporting event.

A number of matches of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023 will be played at the newly-constructed Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium here.