Angul: In bid to tackle deteriorating air quality, authorities on Saturday imposed restrictions as per GRAP Stage-II guidelines at Talcher in Odisha’s Angul district.
Sources said that the district administration of Angul invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to impose a series of stringent restrictions in Talcher Municipality, a major coal mining and industrial hub in Odisha.
The order issued by Angul Collector cites the “poor air quality in Talcher Municipality” and aligns with Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-II guidelines to curb dust and emissions. Talcher has recently recorded alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, frequently exceeding 350-400, making it one of India’s most polluted towns in early 2026, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.
As per the order, construction activities are prohibited daily between 6 pm and 10 am, and demolition or earthwork within municipality limits is completely banned.
In order to deal with dust pollution, the Municipality, NHAI, and MCL will conduct water sprinkling on roads at least thrice a day. Heavy trucks are barred from entering Talcher town, and open burning of waste, coal, or any kind of fire is strictly prohibited.
Other measures include restrictions on coal and ash truck movement during the day, and only covered trucks are allowed on NH-149. NHAI and the Executive Engineer, NH Division, Pallahara, must ensure water sprinkling at construction sites.
The order, effective for 7 days, is enforceable under Section 163(2) of the BNSS. Authorities, including police and RTO, are directed to ensure strict compliance, with the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Talcher, monitoring and submitting daily reports.
