Sambalpur: Water Turns Toxic in Rengali Industrial Area; Talabira Residents Forced to Drink ‘Red Water’
Industrial Pollution in Rengali
Sambalpur: The rapid industrialization in Rengali, Sambalpur, has led to severe environmental degradation. Residents of Talabira village in Khinda Panchayat have been consuming iron-contaminated red water for over a decade due to pollution from industries and mines. As a result, many suffer from serious health issues. Despite repeated appeals to authorities, no action has been taken.
Lack of Clean Drinking Water
While industries receive clean water from the nearby Hirakud reservoir, villagers struggle with polluted water. The administration has not ensured clean drinking water for Talabira residents, even though a water purification project exists. Villagers have demanded at least 2-3 hours of daily clean water supply, but their requests remain ignored.
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Health Hazards and Community Struggles
The government’s 2008 rural water project failed as the supplied water remains contaminated. Due to excessive iron, villagers suffer from skin, dental, and kidney diseases, while students experience stomach ailments. Even clothes washed with this water turn red. Many tube wells have dried up, forcing people to use pond water.
Failed Initiatives and Unfulfilled Promises
A solar-powered water project built four years ago is non-functional. The company responsible claims groundwater is too low, but a deep borewell was dug in the upper area, supplying clean water to some residents. Villagers demand a similar borewell for the lower area, yet no action has been taken. Local officials remain unresponsive, further frustrating residents.
