Chhattigarh orders survey on river pollution by NMDC project

Acknowledging that the iron ore project of National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) in South Bastar is causing contamination of rivers, Chhattisgarh government has ordered a survey of the affected villages.
A special team will survey the villages affected by water pollution caused by NMDC and its ill effects, if any, on people and agriculture land, and will make recommendations for compensation in its report, according to an official release.
"In the backdrop of water contamination in Shankhini and Dankini rivers due to iron ore project of NMDC in Bailadila area of the Dantewada district, environment department will send a special study team to survey the villages affected by water pollution and also examine effects of contamination on agricultural farms and the health of villagers," the release quoted Chief Minister Raman Singh as saying.

The decision was announced by Singh yesterday while presiding over the meeting of Bastar and Southern Area Tribal Development Authority in Jagdalpur town.
Hundreds of villagers had earlier alleged contamination of the rivers, which flow through the region, due to release of the project effluent.
The chief minister also said based on the findings of the survey, further relief measures will be taken up.

Meanwhile, sources in NMDC denied any pollution due to the project but refused to come on record. Efforts to contact a senior company official yielded no response.
During the meeting, Singh also asked the PSU to recruit only local youths for grade-III and grade-IV posts for various projects undertaken by it in Bastar region, the release said.

Singh also said he would raise the issue at Central level.
The chief minister also took stock of various works in progress in the region and those approved between financial year 2005-06 to 2011-12.