Archive · 5 Jan 2026
Talcher tops India pollution chart with severe AQI
Talcher in Odisha, known for its mining activities, has become India's most polluted town with very high air pollution levels.
The government has put strict rules in place for a week to help reduce the pollution.
These rules include stopping construction work at night, banning the burning of waste, and not allowing heavy trucks into the town.
The pollution is mainly caused by thousands of trucks carrying minerals and bad weather conditions.
Other nearby towns are also facing similar pollution problems.
Experts are concerned and want the pollution control board to take more action.
Talcher recorded an AQI of 335, placing it in the 'severe' pollution category.
The Angul district administration imposed a seven-day restriction under GRAP II guidelines.
Restrictions include prohibiting nighttime construction, banning open burning, and restricting heavy truck entry.
Other towns in Odisha, such as Angul, Baripada, and Bhubaneswar, also reported poor air quality.
Local residents and environmentalists attribute the pollution to intensive mining activities and inadequate enforcement of pollution control measures.
- Who
- Residents and authorities in Talcher, Odisha
- What
- Severe air pollution and imposed restrictions under GRAP II
- When
- Last week, with restrictions effective from Saturday
- Where
- Talcher and other towns in Odisha
- Why
- To control extreme air pollution levels and protect public health
- Location
- Talcher, Odisha, India
- Air Quality Index (AQI)
- 335 (Severe)
- Duration of Restrictions
- 7 days (extendable)
- Restricted Activities
- Construction, demolition, open burning, heavy truck entry
- Agencies Involved
- Angul district administration, NHAI, MCL, Police, Municipality
- Primary Pollution Sources
- Mining activities, mineral-laden trucks, weather conditions
- Other Affected Towns
- Angul, Baripada, Bhubaneswar, Balasore, Cuttack
