ANGUL: The public hearing for Jagannath Coal Washery, which was aborted a month ago, was conducted at Talcher on Tuesday.
As per the norms set by the Ministry of Environment of Forests, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) is setting up the washery at Talcher Coalfields to send washed coal to power stations located beyond 500 km.
About 15 local leaders participated in the hearing and expressed concern over pollution. The MCL officials allayed their fears stating that there will be no pollution as the plant will be constructed with modern technology. The officials also said the locals will get the benefit as the company will provide employment opportunities.
Additional District Magistrate Srinibash Behera, Talcher Sub-Collector Shyam Bhakta Mishra, Regional Officer of Odisha State Pollution Control Board BB Dash and General Manager of MCL RP Gupta were present.
The plant will wash 10 million tonne coal available from Bhubaneswari opencast project.