- By Yashashvi Tak
- Sun, 04 Jan 2026 09:49 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Delhi pollution may dominate headlines, but Odisha’s industrial hub Talcher has once again emerged as the most polluted city in the country. According to the latest Air Quality Index (AQI) data, Talcher recorded an AQI of 355, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category. In response to the alarming situation, the district administration has imposed strict pollution control measures for the next seven days.
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As per a notification issued by the District Magistrate of Angul, the restrictions have been enforced in the Talcher municipal area under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-II, aimed at curbing pollution levels and protecting public health.
Key directives issued by the administration:
1. All construction activities are prohibited from 6 pm to 10 am
2. No demolition, excavation, or dust-generating work allowed
3. Mandatory watering of major roads at least three times daily
4. Heavy vehicles restricted from entering the city
5. Trucks carrying coal and ash permitted only on NH-149 and must be covered with tarpaulins
6. Open burning of garbage, coal, or any fuel is strictly banned
Other cities also choking
After Talcher, Angul ranked second with an AQI of 329, followed by Baripada (324), Cuttack (304) and Bhubaneswar (302), all falling under the ‘very poor’ air quality category. The persistent deterioration has heightened health concerns among urban residents.
Industrial activities blamed
Residents attribute the crisis largely to coal-based industries, thermal power plants, and mining operations in the Talcher region. Continuous coal burning and transportation are releasing massive quantities of toxic particles into the atmosphere, worsening the situation by the day.
The administration has directed the police, municipality, transport department and other agencies to strictly enforce the orders. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Talcher has been asked to monitor conditions daily and submit regular reports. Officials have warned that strict action will be taken against violators.
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The growing pollution levels have once again raised serious questions over how long environmental protection will remain on paper while industrial expansion continues unchecked.