Jharsuguda: A massive fire broke out at the coal dumping yard operated by NLC India Ltd in Odisha’s Jharsuguda district on Friday, triggering concern among residents and other establishments in the vicinity.
According to preliminary information, the fire erupted at the coal dumping yard of Talabira 2 & 3 Open Cast Project (OCP). Thick white smoke was seen billowing from several parts of the dumping yard, while flames were visible at multiple sites.
As part of efforts to contain the blaze, firefighters equipped with sophisticated equipment were deployed. heavy machinery was being pressed into operation to immediately remove and shift coal from affected areas as part of the firefighting operation.
While the exact cause of the inferno remains unclear, the incident has raised questions over the safety of the large quantities of coal stored at the site and the possible financial loss resulting from the blaze.
Coal worth crores of rupees was suspected to have been damaged, while the exact volume of loss is yet to be ascertained.
The thick smoke emerging from the coal yard has also sparked concern among residents over its potential impact on the environment and public health. Locals have also sought an independent probe into the cause of the fire, the quantity of coal affected, the response to the emergency and any resulting environmental damage.
Senior officials of NLC India were not immediately available for sharing exact information about the incident.