Orissa HC expresses concern over Gangua nullah polluting Chilika lake

Cuttack: Expressing concern over Chilika lake pollution caused by Gangua nullah, Orissa High Court has directed the state government to address the issue on priority basis.

Hearing a writ petition the HC had registered suo motu on threat to ecology of two wetlands — Chilika and Bhitarkanika, the court on Thursday received the matter related to entry of waste water from Gangua nullah into Chilika Lake through Daya River.

The court directed the state government to hold a high-level meeting to be attended by the members of State Pollution Control Board, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and residents to find solution for toxic Gangua nullah.

The court also asked the government to file an affidavit on conclusion of the meeting before it during next hearing.

During hearing of the petition, Amicus Curiae Mohit Agarwal had presented the fact regarding pollution in Chilika Lake caused by Gangua nullah.

Sources said that the State Pollution Control Board member also admitted the fact that waste water from Gangua nullah is entering into Chilika Lake via Daya River.

This apart, the HC emphasised on formulation of policy by Chilika Development Authority (CDA) and Revenue Department for the fishermen and non-fishermen community during eviction drive of illegal prawn gheris (enclosures) at Chilika Lake. The new policy will come up in two months.

The court directed to file a response in cases registered in violation of the Centre’s Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) Act. The court asked the CAA secretary to remain present during next hearing scheduled on October 26.

Sources said that Gangua nullah, a freshwater stream, has turned into a drainage system as the domestic and industrial waste from the city are being discharged into the watercourse. The 35.7 km-long Gangua nullah discharges nearly about 652 cusec of water into Daya River.

The scientists have also confirmed that the discharge of waste water into Gangua is affecting the quality of Daya River as well as Chilika Lake.

According to reports, more than 120 million litre liquid waste carried through nine drainage channels from Bhubaneswar city enters in Gangua nullah everyday.

 

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