NGT Takes Action on Coal Transport Pollution in Odisha's Talcher Region
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken a significant step in addressing environmental concerns in Odisha by issuing formal notices to multiple authorities. This action comes in response to allegations of severe pollution linked to coal transportation activities in the Talcher area.
Legal Proceedings and Tribunal Observations
The NGT's east zone bench in Kolkata passed this important order on February 16 while considering a petition filed by Talcher resident Raj Kishore Sahoo. The petition raised serious concerns about railway sidings connected to nine open-cast mines operated by Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL).
According to the petition, these facilities have been functioning without obtaining the mandatory consent to establish and consent to operate from the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB). This represents a significant regulatory oversight that has potentially contributed to environmental degradation.
Representing the petitioner, advocates Sankar Prasad Pani and Ashutosh Padhy presented compelling arguments before the tribunal. They contended that these regulatory violations have substantially contributed to the deteriorating air quality affecting the Talcher region and its residents.
Substantial Environmental Questions Raised
The bench, comprising judicial member Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Afroz Ahmad, carefully considered the submissions. In their observations, they noted: "Prima facie the averments made in the application raise substantial questions relating to environment arising out of the implementation of the enactments specified in Schedule-I to the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010."
This statement underscores the tribunal's recognition of the serious environmental implications raised by the petition. The bench has directed that formal notices be issued to all relevant respondents in this matter.
Authorities Notified and Hearing Schedule
Counsel Ashok Prasad has accepted the notice on behalf of the senior divisional commercial manager at Khurda Road. Additionally, the tribunal registry has been instructed to issue notices to several key authorities:
- The Chief Secretary of Odisha
- Member Secretary of the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB)
- Member Secretary of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
- Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL)
- District Collector of Angul
All parties have been given six weeks to submit their responses to the tribunal. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on April 16, when the tribunal will review the responses and determine the next course of action.
Detailed Allegations and Environmental Impact
The petition references multiple complaints submitted throughout 2025 by the petitioner, members of the Mahanadi Koyla Thika Shramik Congress, and local villagers. These complaints were directed to the area railway manager of East Coast Railway at Talcher station on specific dates: May 30, August 9, and September 1, 2025.
The primary allegation centers on coal being transported in railway wagons without proper tarpaulin covers, resulting in significant coal dust dispersion and severe air pollution throughout the region.
Supporting these claims, the petition cites concerning data from the Central Pollution Control Board dated January 22, 2025. This data recorded Talcher's Air Quality Index (AQI) at 312, categorizing the air quality as "very poor" according to established standards.
Furthermore, Talcher has been officially classified as a non-attainment city due to its consistent failure to meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards, particularly concerning particulate matter levels.
Remedial Measures Sought
The petitioner has requested several specific actions from the tribunal to address these environmental concerns:
- Immediate directions to stop all coal loading and transportation activities that occur without proper tarpaulin covers
- A comprehensive assessment of environmental compensation for the damage caused by these violations
- Identification and fixing of responsibility on officials for alleged lapses in enforcing environmental norms and regulations
This case represents a significant environmental legal challenge in Odisha, highlighting the tension between industrial activities and environmental protection in coal-rich regions. The tribunal's intervention underscores the growing judicial scrutiny of environmental compliance in industrial operations across India.
