JHARSUGUDA: With industrial recession in the district and shut down of five Vedanta power plant units by Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) recently, Biswakarma Puja celebrations have been low-key this year in the district.
This apart, the MCL’s decision to increase shipment of coal by rail instead of road, which is expected to put thousands of truck owners out of business, has also affected the celebration mood of puja committees. Biswakarma Puja celebrations witnessed a huge drop in in Brajrajnagar, Belpahar, Bandhbahal and industrial belt of Jharsuguda township.
This year, most of the truck owners decided to cut down their puja expenses due to shutting down of many industries. Former president of Brajrajnagar Truck Owners’ Association (BTOA) BK Singh said around 5,000 truck employees have lost their jobs this year and at present, only 2,500 trucks are left in the district as compared to the previous number of 7,500 trucks. The transporters and industries are observing the puja in a low-key manner, said Jharsuguda Chamber of Commerce president Manjit Singh.