Odisha govt to come up with new guidelines to control industrial pollution

In a bid to curb pollution in the industrial-rich districts across the State, the Odisha government will issue new guidelines for the proper management of fly ash and other waste materials emanating from various industries.

A high-level meeting was held at the office of the Southern Revenue Division in this regard under the Chairmanship of Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari on Sunday.

MLAs, Collectors and SPs of Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh and Angul, officials of Pollution Control Board and Water Resource Departments took part in the meeting.

It is being alleged that water and fly ash emanating from various industries are polluting the Hirakud reservoir, other natural water bodies and air in the region. As a result, the areas have been witnessing several controversies and protests.

It is expected that some solutions over the issues will be found in the meeting.

“Fly ash, smoke and waste material emanating from various industries are polluting both water bodies and air. The measures to control the pollution need to be renewed,” said Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari.

“There has been no coordination between the Pollution Control Board and Collectors of different districts. After deliberating over the matter, it has been decided that a permanent solution will be made over the matter. Suggestions in this regard were received from RDC and public representatives. Others can also give their suggestions over the matter to RDC,” he added.