Residents allege that during the last few years, dumping of sewage in the canal has resulted in highly-polluted water. "As a result, at least two fish breeds are on the verge of extinction. Besides carcasses of animals being dumped, the canal is also being used by coal, iron and petroleum tankers. These have given rise to a sharp decline of periphytonic algae and benithic macro invertebrates," a resident alleged.

Though the petroleum tankers regularly adulterate the canal with lubricants, the water treatment plant at Paradip Port has not been facilitated with technology to supply clean water to the residents. "The port's water reservoir is not in good health. Situated close to the Cuttack-Paradip main road at Atharbanki it is polluted by hundreds of coal and iron ore laden trucks plying on it round the clock," he said.

Huge deposits of coal and iron chromite also pollute the Paradip Port.

The port employees, who are working inside, and the general public taking the road from Atharbanki to Port Bus-stand and from Atharbanki to Nehru Bungalow are the worst hit. Most of the people are facing respiratory problems inhaling the polluted air generated by these chemical heaps.

The port authorities make hollow claims of spraying water to contain the floating particles. Only two water tankers spray water once a week, which too is not regular. Studies reveal that a metric cube of air in Paradip contains 6,000 micro grams of coal and iron dusts and chemicals, which is much higher than normal level.

Even after repeated allegations and complaints, the State Pollution Control Board and Central Pollution Control Board have taken no steps to check the growing water and air pollution. The inhabitants of the town are demanding immediate action against those responsible for spoiling the environment.