Sambalpur: Vast stretches of farmland in Banjiberna village in Sambalpur district got inundated with toxic iron ore fines slurry and contaminated water at around 8 PM on Thursday.
According to reports, the incident occurred after the retaining wall of the slurry pond of the pellet plant of JSW Bhushan Power and Steel Limited at Thelkoloi in Sambalpur district collapsed.
Several vehicles of the factory and a poultry farm located near the plant have been buried in the muck.
Polluted water has entered the village pond in Banjiberna village which is used by the villagers for bathing.
Standing crop in acres of farmland has been damaged.
Police have launched an investigation into the matter while workers from the factory are repairing the collapsed wall to stop the water flow.
