Mahanadi flood plains not to host any permanent construction: NGT

BHUBANESWAR: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked the Government of Odisha to not embrace any long-lasting development at the floodplain region of the Mahanadi River, remembering the announced danger to the riverine environment. The NGT has requested the constitution of a seven-part advisory committee containing environmentalists to study the environmental and hydrological angles and weaknesses of recovering the floodplains. They would be tasked with making a point-by-point suggestion that recognises the means expected for safeguarding the floodplain zone. 

The advisory group has been asked to present its report within 90 days. The court asked both the candidate as well as the state government to put their separate place of perspectives before the advisory group. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) would be the nodal office to do the whole exercise. Pradip Kumar Patnaik had moved the NGT, claiming sand filling in the Mahanadi waterway bed at the Jobra Barrage in Cuttack that could harm the climate and the riverine environment. 

A review ‘Floodplain Zoning Study for the Identified Stretches of Mahanadi River Basin’ endorsed by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) says, “Surges of 25-year return period are probably going to influence around 38 towns in and around Cuttack, while another 66 towns might be impacted. These towns are on the external outskirts of both Kathajodi and fundamental Mahanadi branches.” It was stated that the review had restrictions as no ground confirmation had been done.

Around 72 sections of land had been recovered at Jagatpur. Sand mining has turned into a significant natural issue, with the NGT as of late prohibiting mining of sand in Balasore region. Two solicitors, Haripada Manna and Uttam Das, had moved the NGT testing the closeout of sand mining in the Dhitapura sand mining region in Subarnarekha stream. They concluded that sand mining was upsetting the Subarnarekha stream’s biology. “We direct that all cycles of unloading in regard of sand mining in the Balasore will remain and will be liable to any request which might be passed by State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Odisha,” the NGT stated.