By Anurjay Dhal
RAJKANIKA/KENDRAPARA (ODISHA): The Rs 892 Crores Mega Drinking Water Project at Nuahat under Chandabali Assembly segment of Bhadrak on Bhadrak-Kendrapara Border under National Green Tribunal (NGT) Scanner, sources said on Friday. Hearing the petition bearing no 23/2020/EZ filed by BJP leader Sanjay Kumar Behura of Rajkanika, Kendrapara, the NGT, held a video conference through Vidyo App, in which Justice SP Wangadi, Judicial Member, NGT and Siddhanta Das as Expert Member and petitioners advocate Kuntal Goswamy attened. The NGT will hear the matter next on August 5, 2020.
Considering the present situation caused by the pandemic, the applicant is also granted liberty to serve notice by E-mail. An affidavit for compliance shall be filed in this regard before the next date of hearing. In the meanwhile , the NGT has directed the Principal Secretary, Water Resource Department, Government of Odisha, Respondent and the Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife), Respondent to file a report on the following:-(i) Whether a detailed study had been carried out in respect of the Nuahat Drinking Water project. (ii) Whether there are other alternative sources for extracting water for the project. (iii) Whether the impact of the project upon the people ofthe districts of Kendrapara and Bhadrak as well on the environment had been assessed and studied scientifically. Let a detailed report on the above be filed within 30days from hence with advance copy on the applicant. List on 05th August, 2020
Sources said Kolkata headquarters Rashmi Metaliks Ltd manufactured heavy water pipes have been parked near Chandabali Bridge connecting Kendrapara-Bhadrak on River Baitarani since strong opposition from locals of Rajkanika, Aul and many other places. “The heavy water pipes were intended to loot water from River Kharasrota,the lifeline for people of Aul, Rajkanika,Binjharpur of Jajpur.River Baitarani in Keonjhar, Gonasika falls, drying ,where Baitarani originates. Water falls in Sana Ghagara and Bada Ghagara also facing same fate.River Salandi also on firing line,” a local in Rajkanika alleged.
Concern have been expressed by the applicant in this case in respect of the Mega Drinking Water Project at Nuahat, Chandabali at a cost of Rs. 892 crores for supply of drinking water to 91 Panchayats in the Bhadrak District by extracting water from river Kharasrota that flows between Aul & Rajkanika blocks situated in the Kendrapara district of Odisha. While preparing the project, the State had skipped rivers Baitarani, Salandi, Mantei and Kansabansa which are major rivers in the State and instead preferred to extract water from Kharasrota, the smallest river in the State, the order said. This clearly overlooked the fact that the project could adversely impact the people of Rajakanika and Aul blocks in the Kendrapara district who are dependent upon their drinking and agricultural requirements from river Kharasrota, it said.
The project would also adversely affect the entire Bhitarakanika National Park as it is dependent for its survival on this river which is the only source of fresh water as the other rivers are saline in nature. There are other questions that have been raised in the application but, for movement we may not deal with those and are left for consideration later. It is stated by the learned counsel for the applicant that necessary notices along with copies of the Original. Application have been served upon the respondents. The NGT however do not find their presence today. It is noticed that the State of Odisha and itsinstrumentalities have not been appearing in other cases also on the ground of the pandemic.
It may be noted that presently the court proceedings are being held by Video Conference through the Vidyo App in order to facilitate appearance of the parties virtually for the sake of safety of all. For such Video Conferencing, physical appearance is not required as the learned counsel can appear even from their rooms, Chambers, either on the mobile or on thelaptop or the desktop through the link provided by the Registry. It is unfortunate that despite the links being provided by the Registry, none have chosen to appear. We make it clear that if they fail to be present in other matters despite the above position, adverse orders shall follow including payment of heavy compensation.
