Drivers' strike hits coal supply

The transport drivers’ strike in the Talcher coalfield under the Mahanadi Coalfield Ltd (MCL) has severely hit dispatch of coal to power plants of NTPC and National Aluminium Company (Nalco) in the area among others.

The daily coal production at seven mega coal mines in Talcher coalfield has come down drastically to only a few thousands tonnes from the normal level of 1.5 lakh tonne. Only the departmental machines and workers are at work in these mines. The coal dispatch to NTPC’s Kaniha power plant has been reduced to half of the normal dispatch of 50,000 tonne, sources say.

Amid the panic SOS from the thermal power stations from within the state and outside for coal supply, Angul district collector D.V. Swami has written to the state government for imposition of ESMA (Essential Service Maintainance Act) on the striking workers.

A high level meeting between MCL management and drivers’ association leaders was held today to resolve the issue. The meeting was also attended by the local MLA and INTUC trade union leaders. Union minister Srikanta Jena is reportedly mediating to break the deadlock.

Meanwhile NTPC chairman-cum managing Director R S Sharma expressed concern over the low supply of coal to NTPC power plant due to the strike .He took up the matter with CIL chairman.

About 5000 drivers and helpers along with their supervisors engaged in coal transport agencies are on strike since yesterday at Talcher coalfield demanding pay hike among other things.