Ensure environmental norms are followed while disposing fly ash: Nitin Gadkari to MAHAGENCO CMD

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in a letter to state-run Maha Genco CMD Sanjay Khandare asked him to ensure that environmental and other norms are followed in processes to dispose of fly ash released from Koradi and Khaparkheda thermal power plants near Nagpur which is Maharashtra’s second capital. He also demanded that strict action be taken against violators.

Gadkari referred to the study by the Centre for Sustainable Development which had predicted the disastrous impact of disposal of fly ash on villagers, farmers, livestock and the overall environment. ‘’Therefore, they have demanded that MahaGenco should submit a plan of 100% fly ash utilization and abide by norms,’’ said the minister.

Prompted by repeated complaints from the area, a team of the Maharashtra Environment Department on Saturday visited the villages affected by the dumping of fly ash and ash slurry from the Khaparkheda plant. Thereafter, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has sent a notice to KTPS to immediately stop disposing and dumping ash slurry into the Nandgaon ash pond about 20-odd km to its north-east.

Environment Minister Aaditya Thackeray postponed his visit to the area slated for Monday as the government has declared a public holiday to mourn the death of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar. He told the Free Press Journal, ‘’We gave a stay to Nandgaon ash pond. I was to visit today but due to Lata Didi’s demise yesterday, I have postponed it to next week.’’

The Centre for Sustainable Development Founder Leena Buddhe said in their survey it was found that the pitching of the fly ash bund was still not complete and at present, there were 8-9 discharge points from where the ash slurry was being released without the High-Density Polythene (HDPE) lining done. ‘’MahaGenco should submit a plan of 100% fly ash utilization and avoid a situation of depositing fly ash for years as it has already done in the existing three fly ash ponds in Waregaon-Khairy, Khasala and Mhasala villages,’’ she noted.

Khandare said, ‘’MahaGenco will follow all environmental guidelines and regulations. These are also monitored by various state and central agencies. MahaGenco will appropriately submit replies and action taken report for kind information of Hon Minister.’’

Meanwhile, the Nandgaon Sarpanch Sonali Manoj Varkhade hailed the MPCB’s notice to MahaGenco’s Khaperkheda thermal power plant asking it to immediately stop the disposal/dumping of ash slurry into the Nandgaon ash pond. However, she said that their demand is for a complete ban on disposal and not a temporary one.