Angul: Expressing grave concern over the worsening Angul Talcher air pollution, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has called for urgent intervention by both the Odisha government and the Centre. Highlighting the growing public health risks posed by deteriorating air quality in the industrial belt, the minister warned that immediate and sustained action is essential to protect vulnerable populations and prevent long-term damage to the region’s environment.
In separate letters addressed to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav, and Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy, Pradhan underlined the seriousness of the situation and pressed for coordinated corrective measures.
Angul -Talcher Air Pollution Triggers Public Health Concerns
The minister drew attention to Angul’s air quality index consistently remaining in the ‘severe’ category, describing it as a major threat to public health. He also expressed deep concern over Talcher being listed among India’s most polluted cities, calling it an alarming indicator of environmental distress in the region.
According to Pradhan, children, elderly citizens and individuals suffering from respiratory illnesses are bearing the brunt of the pollution crisis. He cautioned that prolonged exposure to hazardous air could have long-term health consequences and significantly reduce quality of life for residents living near industrial and mining zones.
Proposed Long-Term Measures to Tackle Pollution
Seeking durable solutions rather than short-term fixes, Pradhan proposed a series of coordinated interventions to address the root causes of air pollution. These include stricter enforcement of pollution control norms in industrial areas, strengthening real-time air quality monitoring systems, and introducing mechanised coal transportation supported by advanced dust suppression technologies under the supervision of the coal ministry.
He also emphasised the need to create extensive green buffers through large-scale plantation drives around industrial clusters and mining corridors. In addition, the minister suggested expanding targeted action plans under the National Clean Air Programme to ensure sustained and measurable improvements in air quality over time.
Need for Permanent Strategy and Centre–State Coordination
While acknowledging the role of the Graded Response Action Plan in managing pollution spikes, Pradhan noted that its interventions are largely temporary in nature. He stressed the importance of a permanent, integrated strategy involving the State Pollution Control Board, district administration and industrial stakeholders to tackle pollution in a comprehensive manner.
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Reiterating the need for close coordination between the Centre and the state government, the Union minister said a long-term and collaborative approach is essential to safeguard public health and improve overall living conditions in Angul and Talcher. He added that decisive action now would help prevent further environmental degradation and ensure a healthier future for residents of the region.
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