Report by Bikram Parida; Dhenkanal:  A consortium led by M/S Mott Mac Donald  has been formed to provide the expertise needed in respect of water quality issues in the development of an action planning frame work by learning from the experience in the European Union (EU) countries. A planned activity in this connection concerns storage, retrieval and management of water quality data. This consortium also comprises of DHI ( Denmark ) and Smt. Nandini Satpathy Memorial Trust. The consortium has already held focused group discussion at the Delhi level to understand the main issues with the support from major stakeholders at the National level including the Central Water Commission, National River Conservation Directorate, Central Ground Water Board, Central Pollution control Board and other central institutions. However, it was realize that Water according to Indian constitution is a State Subject and it will be necessary  to widen the horizon on the water aspects by interacting with the States.

In this connection exploratory visits are planned in Kerala, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh. The information gathered during the visits and debriefing / working sessions will be used for the National Workshop in Delhi  which is to be held on  December 9, 2009.

A team comprising Dr.Vijay Kumar, Dr.Alka Upadhaya and Mr.Mic from Denmark (Member of Denmark Environment forum) visited Orissa on a four day visit to access the Brahmani River Basin. The nodal officio Orissa Mr.Jayant Ku.Sahoo appointed by Smt.Nandini Satpathy Memorial Trust (SNSMT) accompanied the team for a two day visit to Dhenkanal & Angul Districts. Discussions with Orissa State level officers for Water Resources and State Pollution Control Board were organized .A questionnaire was circulated and replies were collection from the locals for structured information. Group interactions of the team with locals residing along the banks of the River were organized at a number of places in Angul & Dhenkanal districts. Health facility in charge of the area were consulted. Points of waste water discharged into the river by the industries of the area were visited by the team. Spots visited by the team in the two districts of Angul & Dhenkanal are Bijugulu, Kukudang, Tentulia,Gurujanguli, Santapura, Dasanali, Ballara, Mangalpur & Kamagara.

Noted social activist and the Chairman of SNSMT Mr. Suparno Satpathy said, “We certainly want investments in the form of Industries etc. to come into Orissa but it should not be a mindless one and certainly not at the cost of the lives and the future of us Odiyas. It is a horrifying experience to witness the plight of the people who live off the Brahmani river. Dhenkanal is my native district and when the trust was approached to partner in  the action plan consortium, I wanted them to first work in my area. I know it sounds very selfish but you must witness the areas which the team visited and you will understand why I show such urgency in focusing on the Brahmani river basin”.

Mr.Mic from Denmark said that it is sad to witness the truth of  how the people in Dhenkanal and Angul districts live in sub humane conditions.