OPCB unveils action plan for coal belt

BHUBANESWAR: The Orissa Pollution Control Board has made extensive recommendations to contain pollution load in the coal belt of Ib Valley- Jharsuguda which was categorised as a critically polluted cluster by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) last year.

The sectoral action plan for pollution abatement includes establishment of a dedicated coal transport corridor in the Ib Valley- Jharsuguda. The board also wants real time monitoring of air quality in all sectors like thermal power, coal, iron, steel and ferro alloys and aluminium.

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.

The action plan noted that there has been a rapid growth of iron and steel industries around Jharsuguda which created air pollution, particularly black dust emanating from sponge iron plants. This prompted the need for monitoring the ambient air quality in the cluster. The OPCB action plan called for establishment of an extensive air quality monitoring network in Ib Valley-Jharsuguda.

It also suggested installation of electrostatic precipitators by all the sponge iron plants in their kilns, bag filter in dust generating points and pneumatic dust handling systems.

The plan also suggested that all steel plants and sponge iron plants must develop collection and treatment facility for mineral char and coal pile run-off during the monsoon.

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.

The action plan noted how temperature of the area has been on rise and even touches 50 degree Celsius.

Industrial process like thermal power generation, aluminium smelting, iron and steel making, exposure of black surface of coal mines, fire in exposed coal seam and stack yards during summer leading to self oxidation and continuous burning of coal are attributed to the rising temperature.

More and more land converted to ash ponds and solid waste disposal facilities have led to unproductive barren land while groundwater table around the mining area is depleting.