By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, August 29, 2016 : A 48-hour economic blockade disrupted coal mining and transportation in the coal-rich Talcher, 169 kilometer from Odisha’s capital here.

Talcher Surakshya Manch had called for Talcher bandh demanding fulfillment of a 12-point charter of demands that included commencement of classes at Talcher medical college from this year, rehabilitation of people affected by industrialization, revival of Talcher fertilizer plant and establishment of special coal corridor etc.

Coal mining and transportation remained closed at all mines of Mahanadi Coal Ltd [MCL] due to the economic blockade. The bandh also disrupted transportation of coal to National Thermal Power Corporation and National Aluminium Company’s powr plants.

The average production of MCL is 210,000-220,000 tonnes daily in Talcher area. However, there was no production and dispatch due to the strike, a MCL official said on condition of anonymity.

Manch members staged protest in front of the offices of NTPC and MCL.

The economic blockade began from 5 am this morning and would continue till 5 am on August 31.