Talcher: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought responses from Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd. (MCL), the state government, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Angul District Collector, East Coast Railway (ECoR) and the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) over worsening air pollution in Talcher in Angul district.
The tribunal directed the authorities to place relevant facts before the court April 16 while hearing a petition related to deteriorating air quality in the coal-bearing region. According to the petition, Air Quality Index (AQI) in Talcher has frequently reached alarming levels. MCL has set a production target of 125 million tonnes of coal for the current financial year.
The Talcher coal fields, spread over about 500 sq km, are among the largest coal reserves in the country. Talcher recorded an AQI of 312 January 22, 2025, making it the second most polluted city in the country on that day, according to available data.
The petitioner, social activist Rajkishore Sahu, alleged that coal transported from mines by trains and trucks is often not covered with tarpaulin sheets despite mandatory provisions, leading to the spread of coal dust and a rise in air pollution levels.
Taking note of the seriousness of the matter, the tribunal issued notices to all concerned parties and sought their responses by April 16.