The Talcher Coalfields of Mahanadi Coalfields Limited remained closed for the third day during the last four days.
Major trade unions had called for a two-day bandh on January 8. However, all coalmines in other districts and outside the State resumed production the very next day, i.e on January 9.
Talcher was closed because the local MLA did not agree with the decision of the trade unions. On Friday, a strike was called by the Talcher Suraksha Manch, which is backed by the MLA.
Despite the company giving assurances at a meeting convened by the district Collector and repeated appeals from the company, the Suraksha Manch went on an indefinite strike bringing losses to the tune of Rs 20 crore to the company and loss to the exchequer to the tune of Rs 18 crore per day.
When the power plants of the nation are in need of dry fuel, it is very surprising that petty politics has managed to stop the entire coalfields bringing most of the power plants to a critical position.
A senior level MCL officer expressed helplessness in the matter and wondered why only the coal company was being targeted when the Manch had issues with all other companies operating in the area.