Paradip: To gauge the pollution index in the bustling industrial hub, the Central Pollution Control Board has started a scientific survey to study the state of environment in industrial clusters here.

The impact of air and water pollution on humans and eco-geological features within a 2km radius of the industrial cluster has come under the board's scanner.

A previous environment survey, the board in the past conducted a composite measurement of air and water pollution and land degradation, had found the level of pollution at 69.6, an index that hinted that Paradip was on the verge of becoming a critically polluted zone.

The board's panel of scientists carried out an on-the-spot survey of air and water quality in Paradip last week. They covered all the pollution-prone zones. The state pollution unit extended them the cooperation, said regional officer, State Pollution Control Board, Mukesh Mahaling.

The state board is on the job to bring the pollution level within the comfort zone. Responding to direction of the state board, industrial units here have initiated a series of measures to ensure pollution-free environment standard. Things have improved considerably but there is scope for more. The state board has installed round the clock online monitoring of environment pollution, he said.

We have issued directions to both the port and civil administration to put in place effluent treatment plants for proper solid waste management, he said.

"It has been found in the past that the ambient air quality had transgressed the prescribed limits. The port authorities had been directed to formulate a comprehensive plan and implement it expeditiously to curb pollution. In response to it, the port authorities have initiated pollution control measures. This has helped bring down the level of air and water pollution in the core operational area of the port and civil township," said Mahaling.

The Indian Oil Corporation has been asked to replace the old pipelines with digitalised optical fibre pipelines. This, he said, would stop the recurrence of oil leak.

A sub-committee of the state legislative Assembly had earlier expressed concern over growing environment pollution in Paradip. The team had advised formulation of a long-term environment management plan. However, the environment management plan has been formulated but is yet to be implemented in letter and spirit.