Bhubaneswar, Jan 8: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has expressed deep concern over the Air pollution in Angul, that’s on the rise.

Pradhan on Thursday, wrote letters to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, to expedite coordinated actions to contain pollution.

On his letters, Pradhan mentioned that, the level of Air Quality Index (AQI) in Angul has posed grave risks to public health that shoud be dealt with utmost emergency.

Calling for stricter monitoring of emissions, and adoption of cleaner technologies, Dharmendra suggested a joint effort between the Centre and the state government, in dealing with the environmental hazards.

The 3 letters by Pradhan mark a significant push for accountability and collaboration, as the Angul–Talcher region is a major hub for coal and power production. The Minister has suggested strengthening industrial pollution control regulations along with robust real-time monitoring systems, implementing a mechanised coal transportation system to reduce dust and emissions, creating green buffers through afforestation around industrial areas and mining belts to curb pollution, expanding long-term projects under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) for sustained improvement in air quality and ensure coordination between the Pollution Control Board, district administration and industrial establishments to arrive at a permanent solution.

The Union Minister has noted in his letters that unchecked emissions from coal mines, thermal power plants and industrial units have pushed Talcher into the list of the most polluted cities in India. “The pollution in Angul–Talcher is not just an environmental issue but a public health emergency. Immediate steps must be taken to safeguard the lives of thousands of residents who are suffering due to hazardous air quality,” said the Minister.