The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has blamed the industries for polluting river Brahmani. In its report submitted to the Odisha High Court in response to a PIL filed in this connection, the CPCB has stated that the rate of pollution in the Brahmani has become intense due to the effluents released by the industries in four rivulets, Bangaru Nullah, Nandira Nullah, Damasala Nullah and Ganda Nullah, which fall into the river. “While the water of Bangaru Nullah carries pollutants of its nearby coalmines and other industries in Talcher, the effluents of Sukinda chromite mines are carried by Damasala Nullah to the river. Apart from this, effluents from 11 NACs and urban localities along the riverside have also polluted the river water,” the 108-page report said. To reduce the pollution level of the river, the board has suggested release of treated effluents to the river and undertaking other remedial measures. Following media reports about the pollution of Brahmani water due to exploration of chromite ore in the Sukinda valley and discharge of effluents by the other riverside industries, a letter petition has been filed in the High Court. The court had asked the CPCB to submit a report in this connection in May this year.