Context: Environmentalists have expressed concern over the massive diversion of fresh water from the Brahmani river basin, which could pose a grave threat to the famous 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.
About:
The Brahmani is a major seasonal river in the Odisha state of eastern India.
The Brahmani is formed by the confluence of the Sankh and South Koel rivers.
Together with the river Baitarani, it forms a large delta before emptying into the Bay of Bengal at Dhamra.
Bhitarkanika — a notified Ramsar wetland — is spread over 195 sq. km and is home to 62 mangrove species.
Proportionate fresh water flow from the Brahmani river basin and the Kharasrota river keep the salinity level of the water along the shore down.
