NGT Bars Odisha Govt From ‘Exploitation’ Of Baitarani River

New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Water Resources Department not to execute the work of sand filling, earth embankment and construction of an RCC retaining wall on the river bed of Baitarani.

The NGT’s principal bench also ordered that no work order shall be issued in this regard till environmental clearance is obtained from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Odisha.

On its part, SEIAA told the bench that no environmental clearance has been granted with regard to the construction of an RCC retaining wall in the embankment of River Baitarani including sand filling work in the river basin.

The NGT bench passed the directive on Saturday while hearing an application that sought a direction to the state government to restrain from sand filling work at the Baitarani river basin in Bhadrak district.

Also Read: Focus Keonjhar: Mines & Industries Choking Lifeline Baitarani River To Death

Considered a sacred river by the locals, Baitarani originates from Gonasika Hills in tribal dominated Banspal block in Keonjhar district and runs 360 km before entering the Bay of Bengal. Along its way, it is fed by 64 tributaries including nine large ones.

However, the crystal clear water of the river meandering through hills and deep forests started getting polluted when mines and industries started operation a few years back.

Though locals, particularly tribals and environmentalists, have repeatedly raised their voice against unbridled exploitation of the natural resources including Baitarani water, their concern has gone unnoticed.

The NGT directive will certainly come as a big morale booster for these people.