Anugola: The Anugola (formerly Angul) District Congress has called for a 12-hour bandh on Wednesday, August 12, demanding immediate measures to curb air pollution allegedly caused by the large-scale transportation of coal and fly ash across the district.

The bandh will be observed from 6 am to 6 pm, during which the district Congress plans to stage picketing and seek the closure of educational institutions, government offices and commercial establishments. The party has also called for a complete stoppage of vehicular movement during the bandh.

Anugola District Congress president Sunil Pradhan said the extensive transportation of coal and fly ash has contributed not only to air pollution but also to increased noise pollution and road accidents in the district.

According to Pradhan, the deteriorating environmental conditions have adversely affected the health and quality of life of people in Angul, with residents allegedly suffering from various serious illnesses.

He said the bandh has been called with the objective of drawing attention to the pollution problem and pressing for steps to make Angul pollution-free.

The district Congress has appealed to various organisations, traders, transporters and residents to extend their support and make the bandh successful.

The party is expected to organise picketing at different locations across the district during the 12-hour shutdown.