Mahanadi Banchao Andolan to Host River Protection Conclave Amid Pollution Crisis

Conclave Aims to Address River Protection

Bhubaneswar: As rivers in Odisha grapple with pollution, illegal sand extraction, and industrial threats, the Mahanadi Banchao Andolan (MBA) is set to host a river protection conclave at Red Cross Bhawan on June 13.

Led by MBA convener Sudarshan Das, the event aims to unite various stakeholders from the state to discuss practical measures for the restoration and protection of rivers.

The organizers plan to approach Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to present proposals and request government intervention regarding these pressing issues.

Renowned environmentalist Rajendra Singh, known as the 'Waterman of India,' is expected to attend and deliver the keynote address at the conclave.

Key topics for discussion will include the escalating threats to Odisha’s rivers, such as severe pollution, riverbed encroachment, unregulated sand mining, and industrial exploitation.

In preparation for the conclave, Singh will visit several impacted river areas.

On June 11, he will engage with local communities along the Daya River in Kanas, an area that has seen fatalities linked to waterborne diseases like cholera, attributed to extreme river pollution.