Coal crisis for industry sparks mass unrest in Odisha's western hinterland

MCL's chairman R R Mishra has assured that there is ample coal and industries would not be starved of it

Coal crunch for industries in Odisha's western hinterland has triggered a mass protest. More than 40,000 people from Jharsuguda, Sambalpur and Sundargarh took to the streets Wednesday, protesting the alleged step-motherly treatment meted out to industries in the region by coal miner Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL).

The agitation was led by Jharsuguda Visthapita Sachetana Samiti, drawing people from all walks of life, including industrial workers from Jharsuguda. Apprehending job losses and partial or full closure of industries due to choked coal supplies, the protesters made up by people from displaced families, civic organizations, NGOs and communities staged a dharna in front