The Talcher–Angul industrial belt in Odisha, India, is a major coal mining and power generation hub that plays a critical role in national energy security. However, rapid industrial expansion has led to escalating environmental degradation and growing public health concerns. This case examines the policy dilemma facing regional authorities: how to balance economic development and employment generation with increasing air and water pollution risks. Using field-based environmental data, the study evaluates particulate matter concentrations, water quality indicators, and heavy metal contamination through standard indices including Air Quality Index, Water Quality Index, contamination factor, geo-accumulation index, and health risk assessments. Findings indicate that particulate matter levels frequently exceed permissible limits, while water sources show signs of cumulative contamination and potential health hazards. These environmental stresses disproportionately affect nearby communities, raising concerns about long-term sustainability. The case invites readers to analyze stakeholder tensions, regulatory effectiveness, and feasible pollution mitigation strategies. It provides a decision-focused framework for examining environmental trade-offs in coal-dependent industrial regions.
Chaulia et al. (Thu,) studied this question.