Drain water enters Kathajodi river in Cuttack. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 9: IIT Kharagpur has expressed concern over deterioration in the quality of water and air in Cuttack city. High concentration of several air pollutants, mainly suspended particulate matter (SPM), has caused serious damage to the environment in the city, experts from the institute have said.

The observation is part of the comprehensive development plan (CDP-2030) prepared for Cuttack city by the IIT. The report was submitted to chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday.

The report reveals that existing water distribution pipes in Cuttack are inadequate, not functioning satisfactorily and need urgent intervention. Pipes are incrusted because of high iron content in the water, and are, therefore, unable to carry adequate discharge flow rate. In many places, the ground water is reported to be saline with high quantities of dissolved solids and iron.

The result of quality analysis of drinking water sources reveal that both surface and groundwater require treatment before supply.

The water quality in the Mahanadi and its tributary Kathajodi is poor at some points. The report says that care should be taken to see that the river is not polluted above its carrying capacity. Open defecation in rural and semi-urban areas contributes to surface and well water pollution, the report adds.

In rural areas of Cuttack Development Plan Area (CDPA), there is no provision for safe drinking water supply through pipelines and most people are forced to depend on groundwater resources. The expected water demand in the CDPA would be around 300 million litres per day (MLD) by 2030, the report adds.

There is an urgent need of a master plan for water supply and its implementation. The tentative cost of the proposed water supply system for the CDPA is Rs 541 crore.

Expressing concern at the sewage disposal system, the report says that as there is no sewerage in the city, domestic waste is discharged through storm water drains and, ultimately, reaches the river. As a result, the quality of water in the Mahanadi and Kathajodi rivers has deteriorated.

The infrastructure available for sanitation and drainage has to be drastically modified for effective management. Implementation of a proper wastewater management system is necessary to treat the huge quantities of wastewater that would be generated in the future. The tentative cost of the proposed sewerage of CDPA is around Rs 687 crore.

As the city does not have adequate land for waste disposal, 90 per cent of its waste is dumped into riverbeds, low-lying areas and backyards of houses with only a very low percentage being taken to land fill sites.

Bio-medical waste, hazardous waste collection and its treatment are totally neglected. The present method of open dumping, unsanitary land filling and open incineration may enhance sub-soil and groundwater pollution, the report warns.

Talking about air pollution, the report points out that the Respirable Particulate Matter (RPM) at places such as Badamabadi Chhak (Square) and Kanika Chhak exceeds standard limits. Vehicular traffic is the major contributor to air pollution. Similarly, noise levels in most areas are generally high.