What is Causing the Alarming Pollution Levels in Jeera River?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The <b>State Pollution Control Board (SPCB)</b> in <b>Odisha</b> has identified critical pollution levels in the <b>Jeera River</b>, raising alarms about its unsuitability for bathing. This situation follows serious allegations against the <b>Bargarh Municipality</b> for discharging untreated sewage and failing to establish necessary sewage treatment facilities.
Key Takeaways
- The Jeera River is experiencing critically high pollution levels.
- Untreated sewage is being discharged into the river by local authorities.
- The Bargarh Municipality has failed to set up promised sewage treatment facilities.
- The NGT is actively monitoring the situation and demanding compliance.
- There are serious health implications for the local population due to the pollution.
Bhubaneswar, May 15 (NationPress) The State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) of Odisha has raised significant alarms regarding the dangerously elevated pollution levels in the Jeera River, a tributary of the Mahanadi River.
In its affidavit presented to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the SPCB disclosed that the river’s water quality is unsuitable for bathing.
Responding to a petition filed by Ramakanta Rout, the NGT directed the SPCB to collect surface water samples from two points: upstream near Bargarh Law College and downstream near PHED Pada at the old water intake point in Bargarh.
Test results indicated that the water sample from upstream contained 790 MPN/100 ml, which surged to 54,000 MPN/100 ml downstream at PHED Pada.
Additionally, the SPCB team discovered that untreated urban sewage from Bargarh Municipality is being directly discharged into the Jeera River, violating environmental guidelines.
During the judicial proceedings, the Bargarh Municipality proposed establishing five Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) of 125 KLD each across various locations within the municipality, with a deadline set for December 31, 2023.
However, during an inspection on March 21, 2025, the SPCB found that no STPs of the promised capacity had been constructed, nor did the municipality provide documentation regarding their establishment.
On a positive note, the Bargarh Municipality has set up and operationalized one Septage Treatment Plant (SeTP) with a capacity of 30 KLD at Tentela, which has been granted a Consent to Operate (CTO) valid until March 31, 2022.
The NGT has ordered the Bargarh Municipality to ensure the complete treatment of legacy waste via Biomining, Micro Composting Centres, or Material Recovery Facilities by December 31, 2023.
However, the SPCB affidavit revealed that the Municipal Authority has not yet addressed the remediation of legacy waste at the alleged dump site near the town as of the March 21 inspection.
The inspection indicated that only about 20,000 MT of legacy waste had been bio-mined from an estimated 51,476 MT at the site.
The apex green court highlighted that legacy waste dumps contribute to significant environmental degradation and adversely affect the health and safety of nearby populations. It emphasized that one-third of the land occupied by legacy dump sites should be allocated for afforestation, yet the SPCB's affidavit noted that the Bargarh Municipality lacks information regarding such directives.
On May 14, the NGT instructed the Odisha SPCB to submit an Action Taken Report by May 20 regarding the actions against Bargarh Municipality for their non-compliance with the apex court's orders.
Point of View
It’s imperative that we acknowledge the pressing environmental challenges posed by pollution in the Jeera River. The failures of local authorities to comply with environmental regulations not only threaten public health but also underscore a need for increased accountability and action. The ongoing situation demands a unified response to protect our waterways and communities.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current pollution level in the Jeera River?
Recent tests showed pollution levels in the Jeera River reaching as high as 54,000 MPN/100 ml downstream, which is alarmingly high and unsuitable for bathing.
What actions has the Bargarh Municipality taken regarding sewage treatment?
The Bargarh Municipality proposed the construction of five Sewage Treatment Plants but has not yet installed them as of the last inspection.
What is the deadline for the Bargarh Municipality to address legacy waste?
The NGT has mandated that the Bargarh Municipality ensures complete treatment of legacy waste by December 31, 2023.
What has been the response of the National Green Tribunal?
The NGT has directed the Odisha SPCB to file an Action Taken Report by May 20 regarding non-compliance by the Bargarh Municipality.
Is the Jeera River safe for recreational activities?
No, the water quality of the Jeera River is currently deemed unsafe for bathing and other recreational activities.
