TALCHER: Residents of Talcher, led by Chairman of Municipality Pabitra Bhutia, have demanded another corridor outside the township for coal transportation.
In a memorandum to the Talcher Sub-collector, they said due to plying of coal-laden trucks from Bankadhra Chowk to Bypass Road, the stretch has become dangerous for locals as accidents take place frequently. While Talcher College, markets and bus stand are located along the road that connects the sub-divisional headquarters, people depend on this stretch for commuting daily, they added.
Bhutia demanded that transportation of coal be stopped on this stretch and a separate road constructed for the purpose. Plying of thousands of coal-laden trucks on the road poses danger to human lives and also creates pollution in the residential area. He threatened that economic blockade will be staged for two days from July 11 if their demand is not fulfilled.
Talcher Sub-collector M K Mahanty said it is not possible to stop coal transportation on the road as it was planned earlier.
“However, we have asked the MCL officials to maintain the road and undertake regular water sprinkling to avoid congestion and pollution. Similarly, the RTO has been asked to look into the traffic issues,” he added.