Bargarh MP Pradeep Purohit Submits Memorandum to Union enviornment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Illegal Fly Ash Dumping in Jharsuguda
Jharsuguda : Bargarh MP Pradeep Purohit submitted a memorandum to Union Minister for Forest Bhupendar Yadav requesting to constitute a high–level enquiry team to look into illegal fly ash dumping and stop the illegal dumping at various places in Jharsuguda District.
As per the memorandum, Fly ash, a byproduct of coal-burning thermal plants, contains hazardous pollutants such as nickel, cadmium, arsenic, chromium, lead, and even radioactive elements depending on the source of the coal. The memorandum points out that instead of transporting the ash to designated ash ponds in slurry form, The companies are engaging transporters illegally dumping the fly ash in open areas, including roadside locations from Gandhi Chowk to Kanaktora (NH-49).
The issue has been widely reported in newspapers, electronic media, and social media. Residents have expressed concern about fly ash being dumped in forest areas, particularly in Amapali and Lakhanpur Block, as well as the encroachment of riverbanks. The memorandum notes that large amounts of fly ash are being dumped in the River IB and River Bheden, which are vital to the local ecosystem and the livelihoods of people in Jharsuguda.
One particularly troubling consequence of this illegal dumping is the contamination surrounding the Ram Chandi Temple in Brajrajnagar, an ancient site located on the banks of the IB River. Fly ash has been observed floating at the river junction, posing a health risk to devotees and residents in the vicinity, as well as to the broader population of Jharsuguda and Brajrajnagar.
Despite the severity of the situation, MP Purohit expressed frustration that no significant action has been taken by the Jharsuguda administration or the Regional Pollution Control Officer, despite their awareness of the issue. He called for immediate intervention from the Ministry of Environment to halt the illegal dumping, urging for the formation of a high-level inquiry team to investigate and take action against those responsible.
