Bhubaneswar, Dec. 3 -- Odisha will hold departmental officers directly responsible if river water in their jurisdiction is found polluted, Forest, Environment & Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia informed the State Assembly on Wednesday.

In a written reply, the Minister said river water quality is being tested once every three months, and strict action has been mandated against officials who fail to ensure continuous monitoring.

He added that officers who do not conduct regular water testing will lose their salaries for one month. Khuntia also acknowledged that river water quality remains a concern in several regions.

"We cannot say river water is fine everywhere. Waste from processing units is entering rivers. Continuous...