Bandh paralyse coal mines operation in Talcher

Talcher, Oct 12 (UNI) Operation in all the coal mines in Talcher came to a grinding halt today following a dawn-to-dusk bandh, called by various organisations demanding proper safety measures in the open cast coal mines.

The bandh was called by local Bar Association, Talcher college union and others in support to the ongoing indefinite hunger strike, launched by former chairman of Talcher municipality Keshav Bhutia in front of local sub-collector office since Monday last.

Mr Bhutia had been demanding proper sand stowing in the underground mines of Champapasi and Handidhua for the safety of the local population.

In a memorandum to the Angul Collector, he alleged that no proper sand filling was carried out in the coal mines posing serious threat to the human lives and property.

The fear gained ground in the people's mind when Bengali right canal authorities decided to release water through Talcher town area over the underground areas, where filling according to locals did not take place as per the rules and requirement.

All the business establishments and government offices were closed on account of the bandh call, while vehicles were seen off the road in support of the agitation.

Official sources said the bandh had by and large remained peaceful so far. Out of six open cast coalmines in Talcher, only two were running, while the rest four had been closed due to bandh.

The educational institutions too remained closed following the bandh call.

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