Sundargarh, Feb. 10 -- Opposing the construction of an ash pond near their villages, locals today halted operations at the NTPC thermal power plant in Darlipali, Sundargarh district. Residents of Barobaga and Alupada blocked the plant's transportation routes, demanding proper rehabilitation as promised earlier.

As per reports, the villagers had been staging demonstrations over their demands. With no response from the administration, they shut down the plant and ash pond operations. Police have been deployed at the spot to control the situation.

The NTPC has acquired nearly 70% of the agricultural land in Barobaga and Alupada for the Darlipali Thermal Power Project. However, instead of fully relocating the affected villagers, the NTPC ha...