SURVEY OF WATER QUALITY IN CYCLONE AFFECTED AREAS OF ORISSA

The recent high intensity cyclone of October 14^th and 29^th, 1999, devastated various environmental components including water bodies, agricultural areas and ecosystem. Due to these cyclones, sea water waves raised to more than 5 mts height and flooded the entire area. Due to intense wind and heavy flood, most of the villages and industrial complexes were washed away, crops destroyed, trees and vegetations damaged and water and soil quality of the area was degraded. The Orissa State Pollution Control Board has immediately conducted a study to evaluate the magnitude and nature of damage caused by the cyclone. The survey revealed the following findings:

• Water quality of most of the surface water bodies including ponds were polluted, the coliform were found high in most of the surface waters and dugwells.
• The soil in agricultural areas have been affected due to high salinity.
• The industrial units were severely damaged. The worst affected industries are :

1. Paradip Phosphate Ltd. and
2. Oswal Chemicals and Fertilizer Ltd.

• The electricity supply of these industries was interrupted as a result the refrigeration of storage for ammonia was stopped. A large amount of ammonia was vent-out through chimney to maintain the pressure in ammonia tanks. This has created panic among the residents of the area due to pungent smell of ammonia vapours in the ambient air.
• The effluent & gypsum waste receded to nearby water bodies during and after cyclone.
• The Central Pollution Control Board has initiated a detailed study of deterioration of soil & water quality in the study area. The study results will help in formulating the restoration plan for the cyclone affected areas.