JHARSUGUDA: Recent rains have led to the influx of industrial fly ash into extensive agricultural areas in Kadupada, located in the Belpahar block of Jharsuguda, alarming farmers about the implications for soil fertility and crop yields during the current kharif season.
Affected farmers reported that rainwater has transported significant amounts of fly ash, which was carelessly dumped nearby, onto their cultivable land, with some areas now buried under nearly two feet of ash. This situation has rendered the fields unsuitable for farming just as preparations for the kharif season were underway.
Farmers have expressed their concerns about the ongoing indiscriminate disposal of fly ash near farmland, ponds, rivers, and drainage systems by transporters and contractors, which they claim has been happening without regulation for an extended period. They argue that the lack of effective oversight and proper methods for handling industrial waste has led to recurring pollution of their lands during rainstorms.
Kunjbihari Kisan, a local farmer from Kadupada, mentioned that fly ash was dumped on a nearby property under the pretext of landfilling. He stated, “We had repeatedly warned the landowner that if the ash reached our fields, it would destroy the crops. Despite our concerns, the dumping continued, and today we are bearing the consequences. This kind of fly ash dumping is illegal. The landowner, transporter, and the industry responsible for sending the ash here must all be held accountable, and strict action should be taken against them.”
The farmers added that even if they manage to resume cultivation after the ash is removed, the remaining ash could still negatively impact soil health and crop yields. They are calling for fair compensation and have urged the district administration to evaluate the damage and promptly clear the accumulated fly ash from their fields.
When reached for comment, Jharsuguda collector Chavan Kunal Motiram stated he was unaware of the situation but assured that an investigation would be launched. He noted that if the allegations prove valid, appropriate measures would be implemented against those responsible.
