Opening of the 21 km-long coal corridor at Talcher in Odisha has led to significant reduction in pollution and has impacted its environment in a positive manner.
The coal corridor constructed by Mahanadi Coalfields Limited at an estimated cost of Rs 243 crore and thrown open last month, it has reduced daily movement of about 3000 heavy vehicles through village roads and colonies which had become a matter of great concern.
"The coal corridor will not only reduce the risk to life due to heavy movement of vehicles through inhibited areas, but also reduce carbon footprint in residential areas," said A K Jha, Chairman and Managing Director of MCL.
Strengthening of this mega project is being taken on war footing. "By March 2018, this energy-line of 20.99 kms connecting Balram, Bharatpur, Jagannath, Ananta, Bhubaneswari and Lingaraj projects directly to national highway (NH-200) will be converted to 10.5 meters wide pucca road with concrete pavement on either side," he said.
The average pollution index has shown a significant drop in Talcher township after December 15, 2016, as coal laden vehicles plied on the dedicated coal corridor by-passing eight thickly populated villages and nine colonies.
Covering over 500 sq km area in Angul district of Odisha, Talcher Coalfields has reserves of 38.65 billion tonne dry fuel, the highest in India.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
