CPCB directs states to implement fly ash directive by December 31

NEW DELHI: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) directed all state pollution control boards and pollution control committees to strictly implement the Centre’s notification on utilization of fly ash from coal and lignite-based thermal power plants by December 31.

The notification mandates mixing of ash in brick manufacturing, use of ash-based products in construction activities and use of ash in low lying reclamation projects, among others.

Fly ash, toxic remains of coal and lignite burning in power plants, is full of chemicals. Besides causing harm to public health it leads to air, water and soil pollution.

The government notified a policy for utilizing fly ash in 2009, the implementation of which remained sluggish.

CPCB issued directions as non-utilisation and insufficient utilisation of ash generated from coal and lignite based thermal power plants was leading to major environmental problem. It asked the state boards to enlist all brick manufacturing units located within a radius of 100km of thermal power plants in states. District magistrates were asked to consider cancellation of permission of brick manufacturing units within the 100 km radius who are not complying with the provisions.

The CPCB also asked boards to submit annual implementation report and minutes of meetings of state level monitoring committee by June 30 every year.