RTI reply reveals KTPS spew 6959.491 MT fly ash but only 1703.082 MT was disposed of
Nagpur: In a disturbing development that could raise concerns among environmentalists, Koradi Thermal Power Station (KTPS), being operated by Mahagenco, has been found burning coal comprising high ash content and above permissible limit. In the past four years, the KTPS generated millions of tonnes of fly ash and a miniscule quantity was utilized by various entities. Total 6959.491 metric tonnes (MT) fly ash was generated by KTPS and only 1703.082 MT was disposed of.
Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), in its report, observed that the ash generated in Power Plant is harmful for agriculture use and also harmful to humans due to radiation.
In response to an RTI query posed by activist Abhay Kolarkar, the Public Information Officer of Mahagenco has replied that in the year 2016-17, KTPS generated 1159.491 MT of fly ash. Out of this quantity, 348.049 MT ash was disposed of and utilized by various entities including Sai Engineering & Works (Bricks), Future Home (Bricks), Vidarbha Kumbhar Samaj Vikas Samiti, MEP Infrastructure Pvt Ltd (Road construction), SB Enterprises (Road construction) and R S Juneja (Road construction).
In the year 2017-18, the Koradi Thermal Power Station generated total 2710.709 MT fly ash out of which total 355.327 MT ash was utilized by Sai Engineering & Works (Bricks), Vidarbha Kumbhar Samaj Vikas Samiti, MEP Infrastructure Pvt Ltd (Road construction) and ACC/ Ambuja Cements Company.
The year 2018-19 saw the KTPS generating 2656.260 MT fly ash. In the same year, only 775.245 MT ash was sold to and utilized by Sai Engineering & Works (Bricks), Vidarbha Kumbhar Samaj Vikas Samiti, MEP Infrastructure Pvt Ltd (Road construction) and two cement companies – ACC and Ambuja Cements.
In the year 2019-20 from April 19 to March 20, the Thermal Station generated 434.810 MT fly ash and 224.461 MT ash was lifted by Sai Engineering & Works for road construction.
The RTI activist Kolarkar had sought information from Mahagenco regarding the details of ash generated & disposed of in Koradi Thermal Power Station since 01.01.2015 to 30.06.2019. He had stated that the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has observed that the ash generated in power plant is harmful for agriculture use and also harmful for humans due to radiation. Kolarkar also sought information regarding action taken Mahagenco to save environment from harmful effects of fly ash. Whether the ash is used for agriculture purpose since 2015 was also sought.
The Mahagenco (Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Ltd) has further informed Kolarkar that the fly ash is not used for agriculture purpose hence there is no impact on farmers. As far as steps taken to save environment, the company has stated that the question could be asked to Environment Cell of KTPS.
