The Maharashtra government has agreed to conduct an audit of thermal power plants following concerns over the disposal and management of fly ash, a by-product of coal-based power generation. The decision came after issues related to unscientific fly ash dumping and its environmental impact were raised in the state assembly, particularly in Chandrapur, one of Maharashtra's major thermal power hubs.

Environment Minister Pankaja Munde said that the state government will look into whether the thermal power plants have been following the environmental norms on the use of fly ash. The audit will determine whether there are any violations of the norms and the corrective steps for those violations.

The issue was raised up by BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar, who pointed out that fly ash could be effectively used for building roads, making cement, and bricks. But he claimed that mismanagement in waste disposal had resulted in pollution in many places. He also demanded better oversight of thermal power plants especially of those in Chandrapur.

During the discussion, Aaditya Thackeray (Shiv Sena – UBT) MLA raised fears regarding the establishment of fly ash ponds without necessary scientific precautions. Speaking of his visit to Nandgaon village, he said that huge expanses of lands were filled with fly ash deposits, thereby impacting local populations and the entire environment. He called upon the authorities to undertake a detailed audit of the management of fly ash.

Accepting the demand, Munde assured the audience that the government would undertake a thorough analysis of the operations of thermal power plants, especially regarding the management of fly ash. She added that strict measures would be taken whenever there is any violation of the environment and assured that proper utilisation of fly ash was the government’s responsibility.

The minister also said she recently visited Chandrapur and Ballarpur to study the situation firsthand. She toured some coal mines, cement factories, and other industries while at the same time meeting the farmers and local inhabitants. The minister further informed that a committee has been constituted by the district administration regarding the matter.

As Munde pointed out, the altering environmental circumstances and climate changes demand the implementation of more robust protection measures for the environment. The government is looking into various immediate and future measures to control pollution and enhance the environmental management in the industrialized areas.