Angul: Authorities of the Talcher Super Thermal Power Station apprehend closure of its 3,000MW plant in view of Derang villagers' protests at its ash dyke sites.

The protesters are demanding shifting of the ash pond from the village.

"The largest power station of Odisha is on the verge of closure of operation due to frequent strikes and protests by the villagers." said Amit Kumar Behera, manager (public relations) of the NTPC plant at Kaniha.

Local villager B.C. Sahu said around 3,000 villagers were at the receiving of the pollution from the ash dykes.

Talcher sub-collector Mihir Kumar Mahanty has called a meeting of the villagers and NTPC officials on Tuesday to sort out the issues. "The villagers are opposing maintenance works," said Mahanty.