ROURKELA: The vegetation cover around bio-rich Khandadhar waterfall and its surroundings is depleting fast and water yield of the perennial waterfall is visibly declining.Located 85 km from Rourkela in the tribal hinterland of Talbahali gram panchayat in the Bonai sub-division of Sundargarh district, mining is being attributed as the reason behind degradation of the waterfall.The Khandadhar waterfall originates from one of the hills under the Malangtoli hill range. While a large stream from the hilltop forms the waterfall, the same hill works as a sink to generate nearly two dozen rivulets which flow as water channels in various directions.CPM leader Banamali Dhupal, who has been working in the region for over 20 years, said the impact of the environmental imbalance is felt. He further said that mining activities by the Orissa Mining Corporation and a private operator in the area is affecting the bio-rich reserve. Sources said that the forest cover in 20 km radius of the waterfall has also depleted in the last 20 years. Old-timers said once Haldikudar, Talbahali and Mahulpada gram panchayats in the periphery used to have an awe-inspiring dense forest housing various kinds of wildlife.Time and again, people have been urging the authorities concerned to take up remedial measures. Though delayed, the Bonai forest division has conducted a study to preserve and protect the waterfall. The study recommended massive soil conservation projects at the hilltop to redeem the loss.A proposal in this regard would be sent to the government for approval, said Bonai DFO AK Mishra. He said additionally, the Forest Department has plans to take up afforestation programme in over 40 hectares on the onset of monsoon as the seedlings planted last year did not survive due to the erratic rainfall.
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