Talcher, Odisha : Talcher, long recognized as a highly polluted region, is witnessing rising public concern over coal transportation practices. Local authorities currently move coal from mines using trucks and rail, and the situation is rapidly turning into a major movement. In response, the Mahanadi Contract Coal Workers’ Organization (Congress) submitted a formal demand letter to the Talcher Nodal General Manager, urging immediate corrective measures.
Coal from all Talcher mines moves by train, but uncovered wagons escalate pollution levels across the region. The workers’ organization emphasized that proper loading and covering of coal remains critical to curb environmental damage. Currently, 50 to 55 trains carry coal daily from Talcher. Loading coal with protective covers would significantly reduce pollution and provide employment for nearly 2,000 unemployed youth and women. Considering these dual benefits, the organization addressed its demands to the General Manager of Jagannath Coal Mine and the MCL Talcher Nodal GM, calling for urgent action.
Since 2017–18, the Talcher Coal Workers’ Organization repeatedly raised this issue with district authorities, MCL, and the railway department, highlighting the need for proper loading to protect the environment and control air pollution. In 2021, the association staged a peaceful public demonstration to press authorities to enforce pollution-prevention norms.
The Central Government’s Forests and Environment Department strengthened the workers’ stance by issuing a gazette notification mandating proper loading and covering of all trains carrying coal. The organization pointed out that while other coal regions of India comply with these regulations, Talcher remains a significant exception.
Despite repeated appeals from older residents, labor unions, political organizations, and environmentalists, MCL, railway authorities, and district officials have yet to take effective action. The workers’ body now warns that a public movement is imminent.
In a stern caution, Mahanadi Coal Workers’ Congress President Rajkishore Sahu declared that if trains continue transporting coal without proper loading before December 1, the workers will halt transportation entirely. He emphasized that the struggle will persist until authorities implement effective pollution control measures and create local employment linked to coal loading.
