NGT Directs Odisha Task Force To Ensure Completion Of STPs To Make Gangua Canal In Bhubaneswar Pollution Free

Bhubaneswar: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed a task force formed by the Odisha government to ensure timely completion of all measures to make Gangua canal, which flows through Bhubaneswar, as well as Daya and Kuakhai rivers pollution free.

The tribunal on Monday disposed of a petition seeking intervention against unrestricted discharge of untreated sewage into Gangua canal after it was informed that the task force has been constituted to make the water channel that connects Kuakhai with Daya river pollution free.

NGT’s East Zone bench noted that the task force has been formed to monitor and ensure that Gangua canal and river Daya remain free of pollution. “We have no reason to doubt that the task which has been assigned to itself by the task force for implementation of various schemes drawn up for the purpose, will be completed,” the bench was quoted by TNIE as having said.

The bench of Justice B Amit Sthalekar (judicial member) and Dr Arun Kumar Verma (expert member) directed the task force to ensure completion of construction work of all the sewage treatment plants (STPs) under construction which were expected to be completed by November, 2023 and ensure that they are functional to the optimum.

It will be the duty of this task force to regularly monitor and check all sources of pollution into Gangua canal, river Daya and river Kuakhai, the Bench further directed.

A Cuttack-based social activist had filed the petition pointing out that untreated sewage generated in Bhubaneswar was being discharged into the Gangua Nala through 10-storm water drains as the capital city is yet to have an organised sewage system.

The petition pointed out that the Forest, Environment and Climate Change department, in its draft report relating to water pollution, has mentioned Patia, Sainik School, Vani Vihar, Laxmisagar, Badagada, Kedargouri and Nicco Park as the major polluting points of Gangua canal.