NGT forms panel to probe water pollution in Jajpur

CUTTACK: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has constituted a four-member committee to probe into water pollution allegedly causing deaths due to kidney ailments in Kaliapani in Jajpur district. The NGT's east zone bench in Kolkata ordered the probe on Thursday after registering a suo motu case on a complaint letter submitted by Mantu Das, a resident of Jajpur Sadar.

"Within a period of one month, 10-15 individuals have tragically lost their lives through kidney related ailments by consumption of contaminated groundwater and water from nearby ponds and other water bodies," the letter alleged, while naming nine deceased.

The bench of B Amit Sthalekar (judicial member) and Arun Kumar Verma (expert member) said, "Considering the allegations made, we deem it appropriate to constitute a committee to enquire and submit a fact-finding report. The committee shall visit the sites in question and submit its report on affidavit with reference to the allegations made in the complaint letter within four weeks."

The committee included senior scientists of Odisha Pollution Control Board, Central Pollution Control Board, Central Ground Water Board, and collector & district magistrate, Jajpur, or his representative not below the rank of additional DM. The report shall be filed by the Odisha State Pollution Board, the bench further said and listed the matter for May 9.