Nagpur: To ensure better utilisation of fly ash generated in its thermal power stations across Maharashtra and also to encourage ash-based industries within 100 kms radius of thermal power stations, Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited (Mahagenco) has registered a subsidiary company by the name Mahagenco Ash Management Services Limited (MAHAGAMS).
Energy Minister and Guardian Minister of Nagpur district, Chandrashekhar Bawankule inaugurated Nagpur regional office of MAHAGAMS at Vidyut Bhavan located on Katol Road here on Friday.
MAHAGAMS is expected to sign agreements with a few selected companies regarding setting up of their ash-based units within 100 kms radius of thermal power stations of Mahagenco, which will provide them fly ash through pipeline.
Bawankule said that the state government would also help Mahagenco in reducing its expense of Rs 2000 cr towards execution of the new company.
It may be mentioned that ash is being produced worldwide on large scale. In order to improvise ash production in the state a type-D MIDC area will be developed on the land areas surrounding all the 7 thermal power plants in the state. The companies setting up their industries in these specified areas will be provided power, water and other facilities at subsidized rates.
At the initial stage many companies including cement majors Ultratech, Ambuja, Orient and Vaishnavi have evinced interest is setting up their units. Bawankule asserted that around 10000 jobs are expected to be created in the wake of this development. It may be mentioned here that Maharashtra will be the first state to own the distinction of professional management of ash. The state government is expected to earn a revenue of Rs 500 crore from this project.
Also, an agreement will be signed with a Japanese firm. During the programme, various stalls were set up to stress upon the importance of fly ash, its utilisation, various items that could be made using the ash etc.
Meanwhile, Mahagenco has its ash utilisation policy. But, as private power companies also set up their units over the years, State Government wanted to put in place its ash utilisation policy that would be applicable to private power generation companies also. The policy is being prepared by a Nagpurian, Sudhir Paliwal, who has also been appointed as Independent Director of MAHAGAMS.
According to sources, once the ash-based industries are set up in 100 kms radius of thermal power stations of Mahagenco, it will pave way for manufacturing of pre-cast panels for house construction, and also the material to be used for construction of dams and roads. Besides, thought is being given to formation of clusters of potters and brick-kiln owners, who are currently taking ash from ponds of Mahagenco without any permission. One such cluster is expected to come up near Koradi Thermal Power Station in Nagpur district.
Bipin Shrimali will be the president of the company whereas Shyam Wardhane is the managing director.
