Chandrapur | Nov 26, 2015: Maharashtra Pollution Control Board regional office here has ordered an inquiry into alleged acid mine drainage from Padmapur coal mine of Western Coalfields Ltd (WCL) into a local nullah. The discharge of acidic water from the adjacent opencast minehas turned entire nullah yellowish-orange.
Environmentalists have charged that the hazardous metals and chemical contents in acidic discharge has jeopardized the lives of thousands of citizens as this nullah further meets Irai river that is source of drinking water for 40% of the Chandrapur city and several villages and towns along the course ahead. They have blamed WCL management for blatant violation of pollution norms and demanded that the company should have treated the discharge before releasing it into a natural water body.
"It came to our notice a few days back. Water in the Motaghat nullah (also known as Padmapur nullah) has turned yellowish-orange due to high acid contents in the discharge. It is actually mine water pumped out from Padmapur coal mine. This discharge is highly acidic and has high metal content, which is detrimental for flora and fauna in the area," charged Prof Yogeshwar Dudhpachare of NGO Green Planet Society. He filed a written complaint with local MPCB office demanding thorough inquiry into the matter and action against those responsible for the discharge.
This nullah is located around eight kilometers from Chandrapur city on Tadoba road. As it skirts the WCL mines in Padmapur area, entire water accumulated in opencast mine is pumped out into it. Dudhpachare, who is a professor of geology, claimed that acidic mine drainage was metal-rich water formed from chemical reaction between water and rocks containing sulfur-bearing minerals. "Mines where coal seam is exposed, such minerals leach out into the water. Iron sulfide minerals such as pyrite turn the water yellow-orange. This run off is carrying dilute sulfuric acid into Irai river killing aquatic life," he said. He maintained that such acidic contaminated water was also dangerous for animals and humans who might be drinking it.
MPCB, regional officer, PM Joshi confirmed receipt of complaint. "The complaint was received on Monday. I have ordered my officials to investigate into the matter and present a report. Based on the outcome of the inspection of site, appropriate action will be initiated against those responsible for draining the contaminated water into the nullah," he said. MPCB team is like to carry out spot inspection and collect samples on Thursday
(Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/)