Odisha Govt Imposes Salary Cut on Officers Over River Pollution
The Odisha government has introduced a strict accountability measure to tackle rising river pollution across the state.
Forest, Environment & Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia informed the Assembly that departmental officers will face a one‑month salary deduction if they fail to conduct continuous water quality testing and ensure compliance with pollution control norms.
Recent assessments revealed contamination at 16 river locations, including Kathajodi in Cuttack, Daya River and Gangua Nullah in Bhubaneswar, Kushabhadra near Bhingarapur in Gop, and Brahmani River and Guradi Nullah in Rourkela.
Industrial discharge, untreated sewage, and solid waste remain the primary pollutants.
To curb the crisis, the government has directed departments to strengthen sewage management, prevent open defecation, improve riverfront infrastructure, and enhance real‑time monitoring systems.
Initiatives such as river impact assessments, toilet construction, and preventing external waste inflow are already underway.
Minister Khuntia admitted that river pollution is a serious concern and emphasised that strict enforcement and officer accountability are essential to safeguard Odisha’s water resources.
