Bhubaneswar : In a landmark move to protect one of Odisha’s most historically and ecologically significant rivers, the state government has announced that polluting the Daya River will henceforth be treated as a criminal offence, with violators facing stringent legal action.
The decision follows growing concern over the deteriorating condition of the river, which flows through Bhubaneswar and Puri districts and ultimately drains into Chilika Lake. Years of unchecked dumping of solid waste, sewage discharge, encroachment and other human activities have severely degraded the river’s water quality and ecosystem.
The announcement was made after a large-scale cleanliness drive undertaken by the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and several government agencies along the Daya riverbank. Officials, public representatives, environmental activists, volunteers and local residents participated in the campaign to remove accumulated garbage and restore the river’s surroundings.
Authorities said the campaign marks the beginning of a sustained effort rather than a one-day exercise. Surveillance will be intensified to prevent indiscriminate dumping of waste into the river, while strict legal provisions will be invoked against individuals or organisations found polluting its waters.
The administration has made it clear that dumping construction debris, household garbage, plastic waste, industrial refuse or untreated wastewater into the river will invite criminal prosecution. Officials also warned against encroachments along the riverbanks, which have narrowed the natural channel and aggravated flooding during the monsoon.
The Daya River holds immense historical significance. According to history, it witnessed the devastating Kalinga War fought over 2,300 years ago, after which Emperor Ashoka renounced violence and embraced Buddhism. Today, however, the river faces a different battle—against urban pollution and environmental neglect.
Environmentalists have welcomed the government’s decision, saying the river’s revival is critical not only for biodiversity but also for safeguarding Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, which receives water from the Daya and supports thousands of fisherfolk and migratory birds.
The cleanliness campaign also emphasised community participation. Residents living along the riverbanks were urged to take ownership of conservation efforts and refrain from using the river as a dumping ground. Awareness programmes are expected to be organised in nearby villages and urban settlements to promote responsible waste management.
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