Green panel seeks report on ash pondbreach in Jharsuguda thermal plant

Cuttack: The ash ponds of a state corporation-run coal-based thermal power plant in Jharsuguda district, one of which breached recently, have come under the National Green Tribunal (NGT) scanner. A three-member committee constituted on May 2 has been asked to submit its report within three weeks.The committee includes senior scientist Central Pollution Control Board, regional officer of ministry of environment, forests and climate change, Bhubaneswar and district magistrate, Jharsuguda or his representative officer not below the rank of additional district magistrate. NGT’s east zone bench in Kolkata registered the case in response to a resident of Lakhanpur, Gopinath Majhi’s application seeking direction to examine the impact of the recent breach in one of the ash ponds and whether the existing ash ponds conform to the sitting criteria of 500 metres from the Hirakud reservoir.According to petition, a 30ft to 40ft wide breach occurred in the dyke of the ash pond at Kantatikira and the ash slurry spread to nearby areas, affecting about 420 acres of agricultural lands. The petition said the Hirakud reservoir was identified as a Ramsar Site but no steps have been taken to protect and preserve the wetland.

Odisha CM's helicopter makes emergency landing at Jharsuguda due to bad weather in Bhubaneswar

Naveen Patnaik's helicopter, carrying V K Pandian, faced landing issues at Biju Patnaik International Airport due to strong winds. It diverted to Jharsuguda for safety, highlighting the challenging weather conditions in Bhubaneswar.

Indonesia volcano eruption shuts more airports, ash reaches Malaysia

Indonesian volcano eruptions cause airport closures and evacuations due to ash spreading. Mount Ruang's repeated eruptions prompt fears of a tsunami. Residents, like Rosalin Salindeho, share harrowing experiences. Authorities monitor the situation closely with the alert level at its highest.

Pakistani Hindus undertake spiritual journey in Haridwar, immerse ancestors' ashes in Ganga

223 Hindu devotees from Pakistan's Sindh province undertook a spiritual pilgrimage to Haridwar, immersing ancestors' ashes in River Ganga at Har Ki Pauri. Their journey highlighted visa challenges, urging simplification for future pilgrims.