Pollution curbs in Talcher allegedly flouted despite administrative restrictions

Pollution control measures imposed by the Angul district administration in Talcher are allegedly being poorly enforced on the ground, with residents claiming that violations continue unabated despite restrictions being in place. Talcher, which recently topped the list of India’s most polluted cities, is currently under a seven-day restriction regime aimed at reducing rising pollution levels.

Local residents alleged that hundreds of heavy vehicles are moving freely through the town, significantly contributing to dust and air pollution. Coal is reportedly being transported by both trains and trucks without mandatory tarpaulin covers, in clear violation of prescribed environmental norms.

Water Sprinkling Norms Allegedly Ignored

Residents have also expressed concern over the alleged failure to implement dust-suppression measures. Although official directives mandate water sprinkling on city roads at least three times a day, locals claimed that the instructions are not being followed.

Keshab Bhutia, a resident of Talcher, said, “The directive issued by the collector has no impact on the ground. Yesterday it was announced that water would be sprayed three times a day, but not even once was water sprinkled on the roads.”

Coal Use and Traffic Congestion Raise Alarm

In several residential pockets of Talcher town, coal is reportedly being used for cooking in open hearths, further aggravating air pollution. Residents alleged that administrative orders remain largely confined to paper.

Another local resident said, “Trucks are moving freely on every road, causing severe traffic congestion. Ash-laden trucks, NTPC vehicles and others are operating illegally and taking alternative routes to avoid being noticed by traffic authorities.”

Municipality Claims Enforcement Action

Responding to the allegations, Talcher Municipality Executive Officer Pradeep Shah said steps are being taken to curb violations.

“We conducted a campaign earlier today and held an awareness programme to discourage the use of coal for cooking. Coal has been seized from several locations, and we will continue retrieval based on the information received. We have also appealed to residents not to use coal stoves and have proposed action against vehicles operating without proper tarpaulin covers,” he said.

Also Read: Odisha’s Talcher tops AQI list: 7-day pollution curbs imposed by admin

The municipality maintained that strict legal action will be taken against violators, even as residents continue to demand stronger, more visible enforcement of pollution-control measures to effectively address Talcher’s worsening air quality.