Bhubaneswar: A group of professional scuba divers have launched a campaign to clean the banks of the Mahanadi to create awareness among people against pollution.

The mission, led by Odisha Yachting Association and Kalinga Divers' Foundation's Sabir Bux, have been cleaning the banks of the Mahanadi in the contiguous areas of Cuttack city over the past few days. They have already cleaned Gora Kabar in Tulasipur and the bank opposite Shifa Hospital.

The effort has brought into focus the high level of pollution caused by the dumping of non-biodegradable items, including polythene and toxic waste from various hospitals and industries, into the water.

"Idol immersion apart, industrial waste, sewer water and open defecation on the banks are major sources of pollution. We must take steps before it is too late for the Mahanadi," said Bux.

More than 150 volunteers, most of them college students, took part in the clean drive.

Draining an area of around 1,41,600sqkm with a course of 858km, the Mahanadi flows through urban areas including Hirakud, Sambalpur, Sonepur, Boudh, Birmaharajpur, Banki, Paradip and Cuttack. Bux said the Mahandi river was a rich ecosystem with the soil deposit taking place throughout the year. It has a rich ecosystem with over 100 species of fish found even in its tributaries, including the Tel. A large number of migratory birds are seen in the entire stretch of the Mahandi from the Jobra barrage to Chahata Chhak in Cuttack.

Cuttack residents led by councillor Namita Barik have formed a Save Mahanadi Club with the intention to start various water sports in the vicinity. "We hope our initiative in cleaning the river will inspire people to protect the ecosystem," said Barik.

"The clean river campaign will continue and we will take up as many banks as possible. The Kathajodi river, a tributary of the Mahanadi, too, will also be cleaned.

Identity Foundation has asked Sabir Bux to identify differently-abled youths from the nearby clubs for training in water sports.

"They will mobilise all resources to enable such youths to take part in various national and international competitions," said Bux.