Environmentalists on September 3, 2021 expressed concern over the massive diversion of fresh water from the Brahmani river basin, which could pose a grave threat to the Bhitarkanika mangrove vegetation in Odisha.
- The Talcher-Angul coal mines, steel and power plants as well as the Kalinganagar steel and power hub are drawing enormous quantities of fresh water from the Brahmani river.
- Once the irrigation canals from the Rengali reservoir are complete, more water will be diverted, leaving almost no fresh water for downstream areas, says environmentalists.
- Bhitarkanika — a notified Ramsar wetland — is spread over 195 sq. km and is home to 62 mangrove species.
- Besides, 1,600 salt water crocodiles crawl on the mudflats of the Bhitarkanika mangrove forest.
- Mangroves grow in brackish water.
- Proportionate fresh water flow from the Brahmani river basin and the Kharasrota river keep the salinity level of the water along the shore down.
- Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the estuarial region of Bramhani-Baitarani, in the north-eastern place of Kendrapara district of Odisha.
- It is the 2nd largest Mangrove ecosystems of India.
(Source: The Hindu)
