Jharsuguda: The govt has served a demand of Rs 233.11 crore on Vedanta Aluminium, Jharsuguda, for unauthorised extraction of water from Bheden river. The demand includes dues as well as penalty. The irrigation department has given it a month to deposit the amount.According to the water rent calculation sheet prepared by the office of the superintending engineer, Burla irrigation division, the company allegedly drew surface water at a rate of 1,03,680 cubic metres per day from May 1, 2025, to April 29, 2026. The assessment includes base water charges, a six-time penalty for delayed payment, and a 2% monthly interest, resulting in a steep accumulation of dues.Despite repeated attempts to reach out to the officials of Vedanta Aluminium for comment, phone calls went unanswered.Officials said no payment was recorded during the entire period, leading to accrual in outstanding amount month after month. The dues, which started at around Rs 2.74 crore in May 2025, escalated sharply due to compounding penalties and interest, eventually reaching Rs 233,11,24,926 as of April 29.“A penalty is hereby imposed for the unauthorised extraction of water, and a demand is hereby raised, which must be complied within the stipulated time period of one month. Failing to comply with the above directions shall invite strict legal action as per the Orissa Irrigation Act and Rules 1959 & 1961,” the Burla irrigation division wrote to Vedanta Aluminium in a letter on Wednesday.Sources in the irrigation department indicated that the charges were imposed following allegations of unauthorised water extraction from Kherwal Nallah, a tributary of Bheden river, without proper permission and the absence of flow measurement systems.The department has termed the matter “urgent” and directed the company to clear the dues within the stipulated period, failing which strict legal action under the Orissa Irrigation Act and relevant rules may be initiated.The issue has also drawn complaints from local villagers and environmental groups, who have raised concerns over the impact of large-scale water extraction on the river ecosystem and surrounding communities.
