KalingaTV News Network
Athagarh: Above 400 members of 45 families in Radhaprasannapur village under Athagarh block in Cuttack district are having a torrid time due to black ash emitting from M/s. Sizol Enterprises, a rice mill.
Apart from the black ash, the polluted water from the rice mill adds to the misery of the locals. Residents of the area allege that not only does it stink, it has also become home to mosquitoes in the entire village causing threat for malaria and dengue.
“We find it extremely difficult to live here due to the Sizol Rice Mill. Black ash emitting from the rice mill causes havoc in the entire village. It pollutes the environment. We have breathing problems and eye-sight problem. The black ash is so thick that when it drops into our eyes, it stays for three-to four days. We do not have enough money to go for treatment each time,” alleged Monalisa Beuria, a native.
“The water bodies in the village also get polluted due to the black ash. We can neither use the water for domestic purpose nor for washing clothes. Besides, we cannot sleep peacefully as the polluted water stuck in a puddle stinks badly. Mosquitoes also increase due to the polluted water,” added Beuria.
The locals claimed to have informed the district administration about the matter, but in vain.
“We requested the mill owner several times to find some means to resolve the problem. When he neglected us, we approached the district administration repeatedly. But no action has been taken yet. We will take the issue to the street, if the district administration fails to solve the issue in near future,” threatened Satrughna Beuria.
When contacted, the district collector said that the matter had come to their notice and necessary steps would be taken soon in the interest of the locals.
“We are aware of the problem. A joint probe will be carried out by the sub-collector and an official of the supply department. Action will be taken if anyone is found guilty,” informed Athagarh Sub-Collector Harish Chandra Nayak.
Ms Kalinga