Bhubaneswar, 12 August (H.S.): Normal life was disrupted in Anugola district on Wednesday as the Congress observed a 12-hour bandh from 6 am to 6 pm, demanding a permanent solution to problems allegedly caused by the transportation of coal and fly ash.

The party also demanded the withdrawal of cases against five residents of Koshala panchayat, who, according to Congress leaders, were arrested after protesting against pollution caused by coal and ash transportation.

Congress district president Sunil Pradhan alleged that pollution levels in Anugola have been rising due to the continuous movement of coal and fly ash-laden vehicles. He claimed that the five Koshala residents have been in jail for nearly four months and demanded that the cases against them be withdrawn.

The bandh received support from various organisations, with schools, colleges, government offices, private establishments, shops and markets remaining closed. Vehicular movement was also disrupted across several parts of the district.

Congress workers staged pickets at various intersections and appealed to people to support the bandh. Essential and emergency services were kept outside the purview of the shutdown.

Police personnel were deployed at key locations to maintain law and order and closely monitor the situation. The impact of the bandh was also witnessed in Athmallik, where the town Congress unit extended support to the agitation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda