Talcher: Dust and smoke pollution menace arising out of rampant mining activities in Talcher has put on a demonic form throwing normal life of city denizens out of gear while resulting in different kinds of diseases.
As per sources, the Central Pollution Control Board in 2009-10 had earlier identified Talcher-Angul among the critical polluted category cities and as a result local industries were asked to work out special action plans so that pollution could be strategically reduced.
Though the administration claims that the level of pollution has decreased, in real sense it has stayed more of the same and rather intensified over the past years after 2009, sources said.
A layer of coal dust spreads over the entire city blackening everything from roof of house to trees. Locals have been demanding water sprinkler vehicle and road sweeper system to work on a regular basis but have also shown dissatisfaction over the working procedure of the local administration and pollution control board.
“Due to sever pollution lungs, skin diseases have started to spread in the area. With the onset of summer the situation is likely to worsen as dust and smoke pollution is likely to intensify. The district administration has never ever shown concern towards this aggrieved situation which is very saddening,” a local said.
They city denizens also threatened to stage protests against the indifferent attitude of the government. “A mass scale agitation will be organised and government will be apprised about the degrading condition of our environment,” Amiya Tripathy an intellectual said.
When asked about the situation, administration said they are looking into the problems. “The situation is going to improve a lot in next few days. Road sweepers are always working in the area to contain the pollution. Very few trucks transport coal openly because most of them are ensured with covering. If any instances of open transport come into our view then we will take action,” Shyamabhakta Tripathy, Talcher Sub Collector said.