By Sunil Jena Editor-in-Chief
Bhubaneswar: The people of Keonjhar, the home district of the Chief Minister, are today facing a serious environmental and health crisis. Increasing levels of pollution have made daily life difficult, with many residents complaining about breathing problems and rising health issues.
Large-scale mining activities and industrial expansion have added to the pollution burden. While development is necessary, the absence of strict environmental control has raised concerns among local communities, especially tribal families who are the worst affected.
After pollution levels increased in Angul and Talcher, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan wrote to the Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and the Union Environment and Coal Ministries, urging immediate steps to address the issue. His letter highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of pollution control rules in industrial areas and the introduction of real-time monitoring systems.
He also recommended the adoption of mechanised coal transportation systems to reduce dust pollution, the creation of green buffer zones around mining corridors through large-scale plantation, and the expansion of action plans under the National Clean Air Programme. Coordination between the State Pollution Control Board, district administration and industries was stressed as essential for finding long-term solutions.
However, residents of Keonjhar now question why similar urgency is not visible in their own district. Despite growing complaints and visible health impacts, many believe that effective action is still missing on the ground. Allegations of illegal mining and weak enforcement have further added to public frustration.
Local communities, especially tribal families, feel they are paying the price for unchecked mining and industrial activities. While political leaders speak of development, people living near mines and industrial belts continue to suffer from polluted air and deteriorating health conditions.
Now, the people of Keonjhar have appealed to Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to intervene directly and write to the concerned departments to ensure strict action against pollution in the district. Their demand is simple — clean air, better health protection and accountable governance.
As the crisis deepens, the situation in Keonjhar has become a serious test of environmental responsibility and political will. The coming months will show whether promises of development can go hand in hand with protection of public health and the environment.
Author Profile
- Sunil Jena is the Editor of The Politics Odia, an independent digital platform that delivers fearless political analysis, ground reports, and investigative stories from Odisha. Known for bold storytelling and grassroots connections, Sunil is shaping a new era of regional journalism.
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