Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) severely criticised the Bargarh municipality for failing to comply with a National Green Tribunal (NGT) order regarding wastewater treatment, leading to severe pollution of the Jeera river.
Following a recent inspection of the municipal area, the OSPCB found multiple violations and environmental concerns. The municipality neither paid the NGT-imposed fine of Rs 1.84 crore nor implemented the mandated waste management measures.
According to the inspection report, water quality tests revealed alarming levels of pollution in the Jeera river. Both dissolved oxygen (DO) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels failed to meet the standards for Class B and Class C water classifications.
“The municipal authority showed complete disregard for environmental norms by failing to establish the five sewerage treatment plants as directed by the NGT,” said a senior OSPCB official who requested anonymity.
The official added that the bio-mining activity at the solid waste dumpsite in ward no. 15 remains incomplete. The inspection highlighted several critical issues, such as unsegregated municipal solid waste being dumped haphazardly along the riverbank.
It also found a direct discharge of untreated urban wastewater into the river at multiple points, absence of proper waste quantification methodology, unplanned disposal of garbage and waste materials, and lack of waste segregation practices.
In response to these findings, the OSPCB issued strict directives to the municipality. “The Bargarh Municipality must immediately install sewage treatment plants of adequate capacity and obtain necessary operational consent from the board,” stated the order.
The board emphasised that all treated wastewater must meet prescribed norms before being discharged into any water body. Environmental experts warn that continued non-compliance could lead to irreversible damage to the river ecosystem.
“The municipality failed to address crucial environmental concerns. It raised questions about its commitment to public health and environmental protection,” said environmentalist Sailabala Padhi, demanding immediate action and accountability from municipal authorities.
The OSPCB indicated that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and may recommend further action if the municipality fails to comply with the directives. Collector (Bargarh) Aditya Goyal did not respond to calls or text messages to comment on the violation of the municipality.