The Orissa High Court is taking significant steps to tackle pollution issues in the Petanala canal, a 3.6-km waterway in Cuttack. This canal has been severely affected by the unchecked discharge of untreated sewage. The court has called for a united effort involving multiple stakeholders to address this environmental crisis.
Court’s Directive
Justice SK Sahoo and Justice V Narasingh, who comprise the division bench, have stressed the importance of collaboration among key authorities. The judges have mandated that a joint meeting be organized within three days. This meeting will include critical officials from various departments.
The attendees will be the executive engineer of the drainage division in Cuttack, the city engineer from the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC), and the general managers of WATCO’s sewage and drainage divisions. Additionally, a technical member from the Cuttack Development Authority (CDA) and the superintendent engineer from the roads and buildings division will also participate.
Task and Timeline
This committee will be led by the executive engineer of the drainage division. They will assess the current situation on-site and propose immediate solutions. The findings of this assessment must be compiled into a report and submitted to the court by December 19. This date aligns with the next scheduled hearing for the case.
The Pollution Crisis
The Petanala canal poses a significant environmental issue, stretching from Sector 10 to Sector 1 in Marktnagar. It eventually flows into the Kathajodi River. Many residential colonies are currently discharging untreated sewage directly into the canal. This practice has worsened the already unhygienic conditions near the waterway.
The unchecked release of untreated sewage has raised concerns about public health risks and environmental degradation in the area. It is clear that immediate action is required to address these serious issues.
Current Condition of the Canal
Sourav Kumar Sahoo, the executive engineer of the drainage division, confirmed alarming statistics regarding the canal’s pollution. He stated that the canal has essentially been utilized as a dumping ground for untreated sewage. This, he noted, has significantly contributed to the pollution levels seen today.
At present, there are 23 inlets along the canal. Out of these, 17 are managed by the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC), while six are under WATCO’s jurisdiction. The division of responsibility among these agencies makes it crucial that they work together to resolve the issues plaguing the canal.
Health Risks and Environmental Impacts
The continued contamination of the Petanala canal poses severe threats to public health. Residents living in close proximity to the canal may face increased health risks due to the unsanitary conditions. Polluted waterways can lead to waterborne diseases and other health complications, making it vital for authorities to take corrective measures.
Environmental degradation linked to the canal’s pollution is also concerning. Water quality degradation impacts local ecosystems and can lead to the loss of aquatic life. As the canal flows into the Kathajodi River, the risks extend beyond the immediate area, potentially affecting larger water bodies and communities downstream.
Call for Collaboration
The court’s directive emphasizes the pressing need for effective collaboration among various agencies. Each organization has its responsibilities, which, when coordinated effectively, could lead to substantial improvements in managing sewage and restoring the health of the Petanala canal.
