Angul, August 12: A 12-hour bandh called by the Angul District Congress today has affected normal life across the district, with its impact also being felt in Athmallik.

The Congress has called the bandh to protest several issues, including rising pollution levels, poor road conditions, increasing road accidents, law and order concerns, and problems associated with the transportation of coal and other materials.

In Athmallik, the Congress has particularly raised concerns over the transportation of sand and alleged overloading of vehicles. According to the party, sand frequently spills onto roads during transportation, creating hazardous conditions for commuters. Several two-wheeler riders have reportedly met with accidents after losing control on sand scattered across the roads, resulting in injuries and hospitalisation.

The issue was earlier brought to the attention of the District Collector. However, alleging that no effective action was taken, the Athmallik Nagar Congress decided to join the district-wide bandh, said its president Kamala Pradhan.

Since early morning, vehicular movement in Athmallik has remained disrupted. Congress workers have been conducting picketing at various intersections and moving through the town, urging shopkeepers and business establishments to shut down in support of the bandh.

The bandh has also affected bus services, shops and markets, causing disruption to public transportation and daily activities.

Meanwhile, police have been deployed at several strategic locations across Athmallik and other parts of Angul. Security personnel are keeping a close watch on the protesters to maintain law and order during the bandh.