Sambalpur: Illegal Ash Dumping Continues in Violation of Rules; Fly Ash Being Transported Without Permits, 23 Trucks Seized
Police Catch Trucks Without Permits
Sambalpur: Sambalpur police seized 23 illegal ash-carrying vehicles near Thelkoli. These trucks were transporting ash from Jharsuguda to Sambalpur without valid transit passes or dumping permits. Acting on a tip-off about ash dumping near Thelkoli Girls High School, police reached the spot and found the trucks dumping ash illegally. After checking, they confirmed that all the vehicles were operating without permission. Currently, further investigation is underway.
Ongoing Problem for Two Years
Illegal ash dumping has continued in Sambalpur for the past two years. The district administration is aware of the issue. Despite repeated complaints from locals, neither the companies nor the contractors involved have taken any corrective steps. Notably, places like Jamtal village in Jujumura are witnessing regular ash dumping. Residents allege that more ash is being dumped than allowed. However, authorities have not taken strong action against the violators.
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Residents Protest, Authorities Unresponsive
Locals have protested and submitted complaints to the District Collector and the Pollution Control Board. But despite all these efforts, the dumping has not stopped. Meanwhile, many private landowners in areas around Sambalpur are allowing illegal ash dumping on their lands. To raise land height, people are using ash as a cheap and easy method. As a result, some plots have received ash from over a hundred vehicles.
Rules Ignored, Permissions Missing
Most of these dumping activities are happening without any official permission or required SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures). For instance, there were reports of illegal dumping even in front of the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation office in Durgapali. Although officials had ordered complete removal of the dumped ash, it still hasn’t been cleared.
Pollution Board Alerted Police
The Regional Pollution Control Board recently wrote to the Sambalpur SP regarding illegal ash dumping near Pandloi on Biju Expressway. On March 30, the board conducted an inspection and found trucks dumping ash directly on the road at night. The board then requested police action to seize the vehicles involved. As a result, police conducted a raid last night and seized all the trucks operating illegally.
