Paradip, April 26: Residents have hit the streets, protesting against the rising rate of pollution because of industrial waste by fertiliser-manufacturing units in the port town.

Residents of Bauriapalnda on the outskirts of Paradip demonstrated near the railway stockyard, demanding an early end to the pollution hazards.

“Mounds of gypsum are being dumped everyday without any protective cover. The dust particles are potential source of air and water pollution. People living in nearby places have became susceptible to respiratory disorder and skin diseases,” said a protester.

“Iffco fertiliser plant and Paradip Phosphates Limited units are to be blamed for jeopardising our health. We have drawn the district administration’s attention on several occasions. But, our misery remains unmitigated,” said Hrushikesh Rana, another demonstrator.

The accumulated gypsum industrial waste has assumed mammoth proportion and become a major health hazard in the region, said Sankhanad Behera, an environmentalist.

A team of MLAs, during its recent visit, had expressed concerned over pollution in Paradip.

Signs of gypsum-induced pollution are visible in a vast expanse in and around the fertiliser plant site. Residents in the plant-side slums are putting up with pollution as air-borne gypsum dusts are encircling their settlements. Vegetation is found covered with thick layers of gypsum dust.

Waste particles are making way to the adjoining water bodies, spelling doom for aquatic lives.

The plants and species in and around the cargo-handling spots of the port are found wearing a grey look.

“The fertiliser-manufacturing units — Paradip Phosphates Limited and Iffco — have been directed to dispose of the accumulated gypsum deposits from the plant site. The Odisha State Pollution Control Board has been asked to take up the matter under the environment protection law,” said the panel.

“The company management is disposing of the wastes in phased manner. Our focus has always been on pollution control and industrial safety mechanism. We are making judicious use of gypsum wastes in its periodic disposal,” senior general manager of Iffco Sunil Kumar Gandhi said.

“In the fertiliser-manufacturing plant, gypsum waste deposit is to the tune of 20 lakh tonnes annually. On an average, 1.5 lakh tonnes add to the waste deposit every month. But, we have chalked out ways to clear the waste on time,” he said.