Vedanta ash pond wall collapses in Odisha’s Jharsuguda; paddy fields affected

Jharsuguda: Ash pond wall of Vedanta aluminium plant in Odisha’s Jharsuguda district collapsed last night following which ash slurry inundated many acres of paddy fields in Katikela village here.

The slurry has also started flowing down into the village and Bheden river.

According to reports, ash pond no. 2 of the plant collapsed at around 9 pm with a breach of about 800 metres.

Tension gripped the plant today as irate villagers locked the main gate and staged protest demanding compensation for crop loss.

The locals also said that crack has appeared at ash pond no. 3 and it might collapse at any moment.

On the other hand, the district Collector has asked Revenue and Agriculture departments and the State Pollution Control Board to conduct a joint probe and submit damage assessment report, said Golak Bihari Mangaraj, Tehsildar, Jharsuguda.

Preliminary report suggests that around 90-100 acres of farmlands have been affected, he added.

“We will clean the farmlands affected by the ash. The damaged ash pond will be repaired and strengthened,” said Jayprakash Mohanty, Chief of Electrical Department, Vedanta.

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