TNI Bureau: In a significant development highlighting environmental concerns in Odisha, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the State Government, Pollution Control Boards, and Vedanta Ltd. following a major breach in a red mud pond at the company’s alumina refinery in Lanjigarh, Kalahandi district.

The incident reportedly led to the overflow of toxic red mud slurry into nearby agricultural lands, affecting hundreds of acres across more than 50 villages under six gram panchayats. The contaminated water eventually flowed into the Vansadhara river, resulting in the death of fish and other aquatic life such as snakes, frogs, and crabs, raising serious ecological alarms.

The NGT has directed key authorities, including the Chief Secretary, Forest Department officials, District Collectors of Kalahandi and Rayagada, State and Central Pollution Control Boards, and the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority to submit a detailed report within four weeks.

The case was brought before the tribunal by environmental activist and lawyer Dillip Kumar Samantaray, who alleged that poor maintenance of the red mud pond led to the breach. The case was represented by Advocate Akhand. Despite prior complaints and an inquiry by the State Pollution Control Board confirming the damage, no concrete action had been taken against the company.

The tribunal, comprising Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh and Expert Member Ishwar Singh, observed that the matter warranted serious consideration and intervention. Although Vedanta opposed the petition, the NGT deemed it necessary to issue notices, signaling a closer scrutiny of industrial environmental compliance in the region.