Dumping of waste materials on Mahanadi River bed continues unabated

Surjit Kumar Dhal, Cuttack, July 12: Notwithstanding the instruction of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to keep the Mahanadi river free from wastes, dumping of garbage, household and other construction waste materials on its bed continues unabated raising concern among environmentalists.

                It is a common sight on the Ring Road to see tractors and trucks carrying garbage to the river and dumping it on the banks near Seashore Ghat about 200 meter away from Gada Gadeswara temple without fear or obstruction.

Tonnes of garbage, silt removed from drains and construction wastes are being dumped on the Mahanadi river bed by Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC).

Even construction companies, builders and individuals dump debris of their under-construction buildings and houses on Mahanadi river bed.

          After the NGT asked the district administration in 2017 to keep Mahanadi and Kathjori rivers free from dumping of garbage and waste materials, the then Collector had asked the CMC authorities to ensure that no garbage is thrown into the two rivers.

           The district administration had also erected barricades on Mahanadi banks to restrict entry of tractors and trucks. Two squads were also formed to keep a tab on the erring truck drivers and individuals.

While the squads were authorised to slap a penalty on violators, the Executive Engineers of Mahanadi North and South Irrigation Divisions were asked to file complaints against the errant individuals and institutions for dumping garbage.

A few months after the restrictions were imposed, the fences were demolished and the dumping process resumed. So far, not a single complaint has been filed.

Even though the civic body is claiming to have stopped dumping of waste materials in Mahanadi and the district administration making tall claims about its vigil to check the unlawful activity, a tractors are found engaged in dumping of silt removed from drains in the city.

While CMC Commissioner Ananya Das did not turn up to comment on this regard despite contact over her mobile phone, Collector Bhabani Shankar Chayani said that he would enquire the matter.