NGT Orders Probe into Odisha Chromite Mines’ Pollution, Hexavalent Chromium Threat

NGT formed a joint board to probe Odisha Mining Corporation's chromite mines in Sukinda Valley for unscientific overburden disposal and discharge, causing Hexavalent Chromium pollution and health risks due to alleged environmental non-compliance.

According to the appeal, the neglected overflow water contaminates surface and groundwater with Hexavalent Chromium, a carcinogenic and harmful form of chromium, posturing serious wellness dangers to regional citizens.

NGT Investigation Initiated

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has constituted a joint board to examine accusations of unscientific and unlawful handling of overburden dumps and direct discharge of unattended runoff water right into neighboring water bodies by chromite mines run by Odisha Mining Firm (OMC) Limited in Jajpur district’s Sukinda Valley.

Petitioner’s Grievances and Health Concerns

Nayak, a resident of Sukinda block, stated in the request that citizens were straight experiencing as a result of pollution and the alleged failure of regulative authorities to impose ecological clearance and permission conditions. He looked for suspension of ecological clearances given to OMC mines up until full conformity with ecological standards, removal of overburden obstructing all-natural streams and an independent evaluation of damage caused to agricultural lands and water bodies.

Ecological concerns, the petitioner affirmed unfavorable wellness effects amongst regional residents, including skin disorders and kidney-related illness linked to polluted water sources. He additionally claimed that groundwater depletion triggered by deep mining forced citizens to rely on tanker supply of water periodically by the mining firm.

Pollution Allegations and Past Findings

In his request, Nayak declared that the Sukurangi chromite mines and South Kaliapani chromite mines run by OMC were creating serious environmental destruction with incorrect disposing of mining overburden and straight discharge of unattended drainage water into the Damsala nullah.

The application likewise referred to past research studies that flagged Sukinda Valley as one of the world’s most contaminated locations due to chromite mining tasks. It alleged that neglected mine drain water and waste from chrome ore beneficiation plants were significant sources of Hexavalent Chromium contamination in the area.

Hexavalent Chromium Exceeds Limits

The inspection allegedly located Hexavalent Chromium concentrations going beyond the allowable restriction of 0.05 mg/l in 37 samples throughout the pre-monsoon period and in 28 areas during the post-monsoon period. It had actually advised that effluent therapy systems in the mining areas must be purely preserved to ensure reliable therapy and stop contamination of nearby surface area water bodies.

The appeal also referred to show-cause notifications issued by the OSPCB in December 2025 to both Sukurangi and South Kaliapani chromite mines over affirmed offenses pertaining to surface runoff management and discharge requirements. Assessments located Hexavalent Chromium concentrations over recommended limitations in water examples gathered from discharge factors, clearing up pits and overflow drains pipes, the petition stated.

Tribunal Directs Remedial Measures

The tribunal has directed the panel to examine the sites, analyze the complaints raised in the request, confirm the accurate position and suggest therapeutic procedures. The committee has been asked to fulfill within two weeks and send its report within one month. Jajpur collector has actually been marked as the nodal authority for coordination and conformity.

The petition pointed out several problems imposed in ecological clearances provided to the mines for many years. It alleged that in spite of required stipulations requiring protection of the Damsala nullah and seasonal streams with garland drains and siltation ponds, unattended runoff and debris remained to flow right into water bodies.

Hearing an application filed by Kailash Chandra Nayak, a neighborhood citizen, the tribunal observed that the allegations elevated “considerable inquiries associating with setting” and got a fact-finding workout including numerous central and state agencies.

Committee Formation and Next Steps

The bench of Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and skilled member Ishwar Singh comprised a joint committee comprising reps of the Deputy Director General of Woodlands (Central), Integrated Regional Workplace of the Ministry of Atmosphere, Woodland and Environment Change (MoEFCC), Central Contamination Control Panel, Odisha State Pollution Control Panel and Jajpur collector.

“The tribunal has actually asked the Odisha government and various other respondents, including the OMC, to submit their actions within two months, while it directed the joint board to equip its report within a month. The matter will next off be listened to on August 19,” claimed Sankar Prasad Pani, advice for the petitioner.