Jharkhand News : The issue of river pollution and alleged encroachment echoed strongly in the Jharkhand Assembly on the fifth day of the Budget Session. Responding to questions raised by MLA Saryu Roy, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu said the government is taking the matter seriously and assured that necessary action will follow investigations. He announced that the department has been directed to prepare a monthly progress report on the issue.
Focus on Damodar River
The debate primarily centred on rising pollution and alleged encroachment along the Damodar River. The MLA questioned whether the river—once largely freed from industrial pollution due to sustained civic efforts—was being impacted again.
Allegations were made that the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) had encroached upon river areas during the expansion of the Chandrapura Thermal Power Station’s ash pond. It was also claimed that a damaged pipeline at the Bokaro Thermal Power Plant was discharging polluted effluents into the Konar River.
NTPC also under scanner
The House further heard allegations against NTPC, stating that contaminated water generated from coal mining operations in the Tandwa region was being directly released into the Damodar River, threatening the river’s ecological balance.
Probe and compliance measures
Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu informed the House that a three-member committee had already been constituted to probe the matter. The committee has completed its investigation and issued necessary directions to the concerned agencies.
He added that monthly reporting will now be mandatory to ensure strict compliance with pollution control and environmental protection laws. The government also made it clear that legal action will be initiated against any agency found violating the Water and Air Pollution Acts.
