NRI group raises concern over ‘rise in pollution’ in 2 S’garh villages

Rourkela: A US-based organisation of Odias has urged the Sundargarh district collector to address the growing environmental concerns caused by NTPC's Darlipali project in Barobhagar and Alupada villages.
Floriya Association, representing NRIs from Florida and other parts of the US, in an email dated Jan 3, highlighted the "alarming rise in pollution levels" affecting residents of the two villages. The association has alleged land acquisition was done by NTPC without proper environmental impact assessment and economic survey.
"The thermal power plant, which causes radiation and pollution, is within 200 metres of the villages, and a fly ash pond of nearly 400 acres is in close proximity, causing accidents, crop damage and health hazards," the association stated.
Responding to these concerns, Sundargarh sub-collector Dasarathi Sarabu announced Wednesday that senior NTPC officials would soon inspect the affected areas. "NTPC officials have assured that a team will assess the situation and determine further action regarding their demands," Sarabu said.
The issue gained prominence after villagers from Barobhagar and Alupada, along with displaced persons, staged a protest outside the Darlipali plant on Jan 6. Their primary demand includes immediate acquisition of the remaining affected areas, around 40 hectares of land and structures.
The association has forwarded its email to the Prime Minister's Office, chief minister, local MPs and MLAs, pollution control boards and human rights organisations.
The group claims that the land acquisition process violated several sections of the Land Acquisition Act, terming it "illegal" and detrimental to the livelihood of displaced families. They emphasised this is "a matter of life or death for the innocent villagers".