November 21, 2008

Villagers in Orissa for pollution free environment

The Hindu reported that, faced with rapidly degrading environments in their proximity, several villagers in Orissa went through a unique learning process for submitting their complaints in proper way in order to take the violators to the task.

The pre emptive step would help the villagers, who have been facing various pollution hazards, alert the administration about risk of giving permissions to any mining companies to operate in their areas.

A two page pro forma was handed over to these villagers to collect information including frequent checking of pollution level by competent authorities, any occurred, due to mining operations, detail of deaths and their causes and police reports. These villagers will also be guided on ready-to-use air pollution kit by which they would be able to check if their atmosphere is polluted by a mining or industrial operation.

The two day program organized by NGO ‘Vasundhara’ intended to train the people on various aspects of environmental laws and clearance processes.

According to a study, prevalence of respiratory and water borne diseases has been high among local people in the Suakati area. Intense mining operation in mineral rich districts has already pushed to the local people to a corner. Contrary to claims by state government and private companies, the development, this was expected from mineral exploitation still eluded.