The local forest department in Bilaspur has initiated legal action against five construction companies involved in the Kiratpur-Nerchowk four-lane project for improper mud disposal, leading to environmental and water pollution. Since the project's commencement in 2012, complaints have surfaced regarding soil being unsafely dumped on forest land in areas like Gara, Mahla, and Dadnal, causing runoff into local drains and Govind Sagar Lake during monsoon rains. The police are currently investigating the allegations to address the environmental impact and hold the responsible parties accountable.
The local forest department has taken significant legal steps against five construction companies engaged in the Kiratpur-Nerchowk four-lane project, alleging improper disposal of mud on their land, as noted by an official earlier this week. Forest officers have raised serious concerns, claiming that during the construction of the four lanes, these companies disposed of soil in a manner deemed unscientific, which has resulted in both environmental degradation and water pollution.
The complaint indicates that the construction work for the four-lane project has been in progress since 2012. It has been reported that one of the private companies involved excavated land adjacent to the road in Gara and then proceeded to dump the excavated soil incorrectly on forest land located near the toll barrier.
According to the complaint, the excessive soil runoff caused by heavy rainfall during the monsoon season led to significant contamination of the Gara drain, thereby contributing to environmental and water pollution in the area. Moreover, the complaint outlines that another private company excavated land in Mahla and unsafely disposed of the soil on land owned by the forest department. This irresponsible action allowed the soil to wash into the Govind Sagar Lake as a result of the rainfall, further exacerbating the pollution issues.
In the Dadnal area, yet another private company was implicated for dumping soil onto the forest department's land adjacent to Dadnal. The situation was equally concerning as the soil from this site also flowed into Govind Sagar Lake, posing a threat to the local ecosystem. The police have confirmed that they are actively investigating the case, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations and the potential repercussions for the involved companies. The ongoing investigation aims to address these environmental concerns and ensure accountability for any damage caused.
The ongoing legal action against the five construction companies highlights the critical need for responsible environmental practices in infrastructure development. The allegations of improper soil disposal and the subsequent pollution of local waterways underscore the potential ecological impact of such projects. As the investigation progresses, it is imperative that accountability is established to prevent future environmental harm. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to scientific and regulatory standards in construction activities to safeguard the environment for the benefit of the community and local ecosystems.