The ongoing release of untreated wastewater from Puri city into the sea close to Banki Muhana has caused intense public anger, with locals claiming that the dark, dirty water and foul-smelling surroundings have led to ongoing health and sanitation issues.
Environmental observers warned of increasing contamination in the nearby maritime stretch when large amounts of sewage—described by residents as black, mushy, and toxic—were observed streaming straight into the seawater.
Worsening Residents' Records The stench
Residents who live close to the discharge site claim that the wastewater treatment system put in place during the previous government's administration has not worked well, causing untreated sewage to enter the sea every day.

They also mentioned that mosquito infestation has significantly grown in the vicinity of the impacted area and that the stink has gotten worse in recent months.
"The unsanitary conditions here are visible to everyone. While some cleaning was done by the previous agency, the new company has been utterly careless. According to homeowner Pratima Behera, "the entire area is infested with mosquitoes, and it has become intolerable for people to live here."
The same problem was brought up by environmental professionals, who claimed that the current plant is not carrying out the necessary filtration to avoid contaminating saltwater.
Environmentalist Sukant Pradhan stated that the discharge was a direct result of a malfunctioning purification system and cautioned that such contamination raises the risk of infectious and waterborne illnesses in nearby communities.

Environmentalist Sukant Pradhan stated that the discharge was a direct result of a malfunctioning purification system and cautioned that such contamination raises the risk of infectious and waterborne illnesses in nearby communities.
Toxic Mixing of Sewage with Seawater When environmental activists were questioned, they claimed that the near-shore ecosystem was being harmed by the toxins that were taken into the sea through the main channel.
They said that despite past expansions, the infrastructure in the vicinity of Banki Muhana was still unable to manage the amount of trash produced by the city, allowing a significant amount of untreated discharge to enter the ocean.
Watco Declares a Rs. 37-Crore Project
The Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO) has proposed building a new wastewater treatment facility in Banki Muhana in response to growing concerns.The project, which is expected to cost Rs 37 crore, will filter 15 million liters per day (MLD) of wastewater produced in Puri city using SABRE treatment technology. Officials claim that work will be finished in six months once the tender procedure was finished and approved by top office.
"We intend to implement SABRE technology in a new wastewater management system for Banki Muhana. The tender process for this STP has been approved and is now in progress. We will be able to reuse the treated water thanks to the new system," stated Bikram Rout, General Manager of WATCO.
Environmental organizations have applauded the action, stating that it is essential to stop additional deterioration of coastal waters and guarantee that Puri's sewage management maintains up with pressure from tourists.

According to WATCO, the 15 MLD plant's civil work will start soon and be finished in six months. Following that, recycled water distribution pipes will be incorporated into public utility zones designated for non-potable use and landscaping.