RAIPUR: In an effort to find ways to reduce pollution caused by fly ash generated at thermal power stations in Chhattisgarh, Corporate Social Services India (CSRINDIA) is organizing a national conference in Raipur on June 11. According to information, about Rs 2 lakh crore is likely to be invested in Chhattisgarh in various thermal plants in the next five years to generate approximately 40,000 MW of additional power. Experts estimate that that these projects, once fully functional, could generate a total of four crore tonnes of ash, besides emitting 11 crore tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Leading industrialists and entrepreneurs from country and experts in alternative uses of fly ash are likely to participate in the conference. According to CSR India director Rusen Kumar, the aim of organising this conference is to provide a forum for fly ash producers and prospective consumers along with policy makers and stakeholders to discuss opportunities for maximum utilisation of fly ash.
The conference is also likely to focus on thermal power plants in state, where there is an urgent need to tackle fly ash, a major cause of air pollution. It is widely perceived that if the state fails to use and effectively manage the fly ash generated at these projects, it's only a matter of time that Chhattisgarh would be a 'fly ash hub'. The consequences could be disastrous as the entire atmosphere would be filled with black smoke, leading to numerous fatal diseases and water scarcity.
It is widely known that the residue generated at thermal power stations create major environmental hazards. Experts say that it is not only causing air pollution but also contaminating the groundwater. However, its effective management not only reduces environmental pollution but also helps recover valuable resources.
Fly ash can be used to manufacture fly ash bricks, mosaic tiles and hollow blocks, besides other usages.
