The Assembly panel on environment inspects the site near Paradip where the Paradip-Haldia pipeline developed cracks few days ago leading to an oil spill. Telegraph picture

Paradip, Jan. 13: Expressing concern over growing pollution level, a sub-committee of the state Legislative Assembly today called for a comprehensive environment management plan in and around the port town.

Dismayed at the rise in environment pollution, the four-member House panel today asked for the establishment of a separate branch office of the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) in Paradip.

The transportation of ores and cargo handling operation within the port is adversely affecting the environment. To permanently sort out air pollution, the Paradip Port Trust would have to carry out its ore handling operation through conveyor belt, the assembly panel noted.

The SPCB engineers need to be permanently stationed here, the panel members said, while issuing directions to the SPCB to submit report on pollution caused to the environment by the Paradip Port Trust and the Indian Oil Corporation Limited, and various other industries in the area.

“We are shocked at the spurt in air and water pollution in and around Paradip. All industrial plants inclu ding the Paradip Port Trust should share the blame for the prevailing mess. Last year, the House committee on environment had made a spot visit here. Then we came across visible traces of pollution. Now, things are going from bad to worse in this industrial hub. The issue needs to be addressed immediately,” Amar Prasad Satapathy, chairman of House panel on environment, told reporters here today.

“The PPT should take the lead in maintaining the environment standard. The growing industrial zone and expansion of the port is bound to trigger more air and water pollution in this town. That’s why there is the immediate need for the launch of a comprehensive environment management plan in this region,” said Satapathy.