Mounting River Pollution

Pollution in Bheden and Ib (OPCB unveils action plan for coal belt)

The CPCB which had carried out a survey across the polluted industrial clusters of the country had developed a Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index (CEPI). Ib Valley-Jharsuguda was given a score above 70 making the region heavily polluted.
In its pollution abatement plan, the Board called for creation of a reservoir for storage of mine drainage water and runoff which can be used for industrial purpose. An aluminium smelter plant operating in the close proximity of the Bheden river discharges its water to Hirakud reservoir. Since the smelter plant handles substantial quantity of fluoride-bearing materials, there is an apprehension that it may find its way to the Bheden and contaminate the water.
Besides, during monsoon, run-offs from various stockpiles like coal, minerals, solid waste get discharged to the river Ib, the Bheden and Hirakud reservoir through its feeder streams

Since sewage from Jharsuguda and Brajarajnagar towns are discharged into the Ib river without any treatment causing contamination of river water, the plan suggested a treatment plant for both the towns. All the abatement measures suggested included a deadline to be met.