TV
The residents of Chanakana village under Paradeepgarh Panchayat in Jagatsinghpur district are grappling with a serious environmental threat—a hill formed from toxic Gypsum waste. This waste, originating from the nearby Paradeep Phosphates Limited (PPL) fertiliser plant, has created a hazardous situation where acidic water seeps into cultivated lands.
The Gypsum hill allegedly releases acidic water, causing extensive damage to local agriculture and greenery. Crops and plants are withering under the harmful effects, leaving fields barren and rendering farming virtually impossible for the community reliant on agriculture.
Finding safe drinking water has also become a significant challenge for the villagers, compounding the issues faced by villagers. The acidic nature of the water has made many natural water sources unusable, raising health concerns among the inhabitants.
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This environmental plight highlights the ongoing struggle communities face when industrial waste management is not adequately addressed, demanding immediate attention and action to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of those affected.
“The acidic water has spread to every part of the village, proving fatal for vegetation and cattle. We are living a very difficult life. While the tube well is dispensing somewhat red water, the water being supplied by the company through tanker is also not fit for consumption,” said Ramesh Pal, a villager.
Another villager, Sheikh Hamid said, “The toxic water has spread to the entire village. Now, how we and our cattle will survive?”
The efforts to control the seepage of polluted water from gypsum hills by storing the runoff in a containment pond appear to have failed. The constructed barriers, which were meant to block contaminated water from reaching the village, have seemingly collapsed. As a result, toxic water is seeping into the community, contaminating the groundwater and forming white foam in the village’s pond.
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Although Paradeep Phosphates Limited (PPL) has been providing drinking water through tankers, residents have voiced concerns that this water is unfit for consumption. In response, they have threatened to escalate their protest if the situation remains unresolved.
When contacted, the PPL authorities denied the allegations, insisting that they are actively working to address the grievances raised by the villagers.
When contacted, a senior officer of PPL, Sudhiranjan Mishra said, “That is not acidic water. Rather, that is normal water. If the pH value of water crosses the mark of seven, then the water is called acidic. We have tested the pH value of the water discussed and it is below seven. That is normal water, not acidic water.”
“However, our management will take the allegations seriously and take necessary steps,” he assured.
