Toxic spillage from Essar power plant

Bhopal: Spillage from an artificial pond meant to store toxic residue from a coal power plant run by Essar Power MP Ltd (EPMPL) has contaminated farmland spread over a 4-km area near Singrauli, the power hub of Madhya Pradesh, leading to panic in the surrounding villages.

The affected villagers have blamed EPMPL for the spillage that occurred on Wednesday night, but the company denied the charge, calling it “a clear case of sabotage”. Photos and videos taken by villagers on their mobile phones show a sea of sludge in the areas around the power plant and also on what appears to be agricultural land.

“Five children got stuck in a house. We rescued them around midnight,” said District Collector K.V.S. Chaudhary A photograph showed five children covered with white ash on their hair, face and chest as they stood in the dark.

“Some 500 farmers have been affected by the ash leak. We have called for a preliminary probe and will look into all aspects, including the statement by Essar,” said Chaudhary. The state and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) officers are taking samples of the spillage.

The pond was used to store toxic ash residue generated by the power plant. Scientists and activists say any leak in such a storage pond can lead to severe contamination of groundwater. (IANS)

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