Villagers protest fly ash dumping by Bhusan plant

Jharsuguda: Residents of three villages under Badmal Gram Panchayat in Jharsuguda district today protested dumping of fly ash by Bhusan plant in the nearby areas.

As part of their protest, villagers today detained the vehicles engaged by the plant for disposal of fly ash. "When the plant comes under the jurisdiction of Sambalpur district, why the people of Jharsuguda should suffer," said an agitator.

Hundreds of trucks and dumpers loaded with fly ash come from the Bhusan plant in Sambalpur and dispose the same in Pandaripathar, Beherapata and Singhabaga villages in Jharsuguda district, said another villager, adding that this is not only polluting the environment but also affecting farmlands in the areas.

The agitating villagers have also filed a written complaint with Badmal police against the plant authorities in this regard, informed sources.

"People of Pandaripathar and its nearby villages are opposing fly ash dumping by Bhusan Plant. They had earlier opposed construction of the ash pond by the plant. We have informed the district Collector and pollution board about the issue. They will conduct an inquiry into the matter following which necessary action will be taken," said Jharsuguda SDPO, Kailash Acharya.