Water of over 20 rivers in Odisha unfit for human consumption

Bhubaneswar: Shocking! Water of over 20 rivers in Odisha including river Mahanadi is unfit for human consumption (for drinking).

The finding is based on test reports of 129 water samples collected from 11 prominent rivers and their branches from different places by the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB), said Forest and Environment Minister Bijayashree Routray in a written reply to a question by Congress MLA Kailash Kulesika in the State Assembly today.

Especially, the water of river Mahanadi was found to be polluted at seven places and unfit for human consumption, reports have revealed, the Minister added.

Besides, test reports have revealed that water of river Brahmani was found to be polluted at 14 places, Routray stated in his reply.

Similarly, test reports of water samples drawn from rivers Kathajodi, Kuakhai, Kushabhadra, Birupa, Kharasrota, Koel, Luna, Bhargavi and Daya at several places were found to be polluted, he added.

“Establishment of industries and mills alongside rivers and in their catchment areas has led to large-scale pollution of these. In Odisha, the situation is grim since the OSPCB has failed in its role in taking appropriate measures which have led to high-level pollution in 20 rivers,” said BJP MLA Pradip Purohit while commenting on the Minister’s reply outside the Assembly.

“Why is the government standing a mute spectator and not acting when test reports of 129 water samples drawn from 20 rivers have been found to be polluted? The government should be well aware that it’s going to affect the lives of the general public,” said Prafulla Majhi in his reaction on the Minister’s statement.

On the other hand, BJD member Uma Samantaray informed reporters outside the Assembly that the government was aware of the issue and the Chief Minister has ordered for action.

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