The coal supply to the public sector National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Kaniha was hit for eight hours today following stoppage of mining activities at linked Lingagraj mine at Talcher due to agitation by Talcher Surakhya Manch (TSM).
The outfit had given a call for one day strike in protest against the non-filling of sand at Champapasi underground mine in Lingaraj mines area after coal extraction.
The work on coal mine was stopped from 6 AM in the morning to 3 PM in the afternoon due to strike. The dispatch of coal to NTPC from the mine’s site was also affected. The loss of production was about 15000 tonne due to stir, said a company official.
It may be noted, the locals under the banner of TSM have resorted to agitation as the required sand filling in the Champapasi underground mines was not done. According to Keshab Bhutia, the coordinator and ex-chairman of Talcher municipality, the entire 50000 town population are facing danger to their lives due to vacuum created underground due to mining of coal and area may cave in any time.
Meanwhile, a meeting has been convened by the local sub collector Nirmal Mishra to resolve various contentious issues in the area. The meeting will be chaired by the district collector, Angul.