NHRC seeks ATR on pollution by Tata’s steel unit in Odisha

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Mar 15:

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an action taken report (ATR) from Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) within four weeks over the release of polluted water by Tata Steel Plant in Kalinganagar into a nullah endangering the lives of the people living in villages around the unit.

The apex rights body sought the report from the chairman OSPCB in response to a petition filed by human rights activist Subash Mohapatra.

The petitioner has alleged that inaction on part of the authorities of Forest and Environment department who are in unholy nexus with Tata Steel Plant authorities has endangered the lives of people of 11 villages in Jajpur area.

The complainant has alleged that the residents of Nuagaon village in particular, which is located near ‘Ganda Nullah’ at Kalinganagar have submitted their grievance representation to the OSPCB on the matter.

The petitioner said the toxic water released by the plant into the nullah has created health hazards for the villagers of Godigotha, Kandiakana, Baghabindha, Barigodha, Trijanga, Kusunupur, Nuagaon, Kharadi, Jodabara, Mangalpur and Balungabanda.