Mumbai: The Maharashtra government on Thursday accepted a demand for an audit of thermal power plants following concerns raised in the state assembly over fly ash disposal and its environmental impact, particularly in Chandrapur district.
Replying to a calling attention notice, which concerns urgent issues of public importance, moved by BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar, Environment Minister Pankaja Munde said the government would undertake a review of thermal power plants.
The government would examine whether fly ash management practices are in compliance with environmental norms, she said.
Raising the issue in the House, Mungantiwar said fly ash generated by thermal power plants can be utilised in road construction, cement concrete and brick manufacturing, but alleged that it was often being dumped in an unscientific manner, causing environmental and health concerns.
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He referred to instances of large-scale fly ash accumulation and stressed the need for strict monitoring of thermal power plants, particularly in Chandrapur, a major power-generation hub in the state.
Fly ash, a byproduct of coal-based thermal power generation, is widely used in construction and infrastructure projects. However, environmental groups and local residents have repeatedly raised concerns over improper disposal practices and their impact on land, water and air quality.
Participating in the discussion, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray said fly ash ponds were being created in several places without adequate scientific safeguards. Referring to a visit to Nandgaon village, he claimed that hundreds of acres of land had been covered with fly ash deposits, affecting the local environment and residents.
Thackeray demanded a comprehensive audit of thermal power plants to assess how fly ash is being stored, transported and utilised, and whether the units are adhering to environmental regulations.
Accepting the demand, Munde told the House that the issue was serious and warranted closer scrutiny." The government will conduct the necessary audit and review of thermal power plants and their fly ash management systems. Action will be taken wherever violations are found," she said.
The minister said the government was committed to ensuring scientific disposal and utilisation of fly ash and preventing environmental damage caused by non-compliance with prescribed norms.
Munde said she visited Chandrapur and Ballarpur during a period of extremely high temperatures to understand the ground reality. She inspected coal mines, cement factories and other industries in the area and also interacted with farmers and local residents.
She said the government has taken the issue seriously and that the district collector has formed a committee to monitor the situation. Directions have been issued to the concerned industries to take necessary corrective measures.
Munde said environmental conditions have changed significantly in recent years and stressed the need for conservation and environmental protection. She said climate change is a major challenge and both the government and industries must work together to address it.
Referring to the industrial nature of the Chandrapur region, she said it has coal-based industries, cement plants and railway infrastructure, which contribute to environmental pressures. She said the government is examining the issue comprehensively and is working on short-term, medium-term and long-term measures to reduce pollution and protect public health.
She assured the House that the government would continue to monitor the situation and take necessary steps in the interest of local residents and the environment.
