Dikhyaa Mohanty 
At Talcher in the Angul district of Odisha, officials on Saturday implemented limitations in accordance with GRAP Stage-II rules in an effort to address the declining air quality. According to sources, the Angul district government used Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to enforce a number of tough regulations in Talcher Municipality, a significant industrial and coal mining center in Odisha.
Citing the “poor air quality in Talcher Municipality,” Angul Collector’s order complies with Stage-II requirements of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to reduce emissions and dust. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, Talcher has lately reported concerning Air Quality Index (AQI) readings, often above 350–400, making it one of India’s most polluted towns in early 2026.
According to the order, demolition and earthwork inside municipality boundaries are strictly forbidden, and building activities are restricted every day between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. The Municipality, NHAI, and MCL will sprinkle water on roadways at least three times a day to combat dust pollution. Open burning of rubbish, coal, or any type of fire is severely forbidden, and heavy trucks are not permitted to enter Talcher town.
Other measures include restrictions on coal and ash truck movement during the day, and only covered trucks are allowed on NH-149. NHAI and the Executive Engineer, NH Division, Pallahara, must ensure water sprinkling at construction sites. The order, effective for 7 days, is enforceable under Section 163(2) of the BNSS. Authorities, including police and RTO, are directed to ensure strict compliance, with the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Talcher, monitoring and submitting daily reports.
