Bhubaneswar: Odisha Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia informed the Assembly on Friday that 16 polluted stretches have been identified across major rivers in the state, with urban wastewater emerging as the primary contaminant.
Responding to a question in the House, the minister said polluted stretches have been reported at Kathajodi in Cuttack, Daya river and Gangua nullah in Bhubaneswar, Kushabhadra near Bhingarpur in Gop, and parts of the Brahmani river and Guradi nullah in Rourkela. He noted that in most locations, river water quality is deteriorating due to unchecked discharge of municipal wastewater and excessive extraction of river water.
Khuntia said the state government has launched multiple measures to curb pollution in these vulnerable stretches. Urban local bodies have been strictly instructed to prevent dumping of waste into rivers, while district administrations, the Urban Development Department, the Public Health Engineering Organisation (PHEO) and the Water Supply & Sanitation authorities have been directed to take coordinated action.
The minister added that efforts are underway to increase river flow, develop riverfronts, and construct toilets near riverbanks to eliminate open defecation, which continues to be a contributing factor in some regions.
He also emphasised that the state government is committed to restoring river health across Odisha and ensuring stricter compliance from municipal bodies in pollution control.
-OdishaAge
