Sambalpur: Revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari discussed proper disposal of fly ash by industries in four districts of Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Sundargarh and Angul, on Sunday.
Briefing the media, Pujari said fly ash management has become a major concern with the number of industries increasing in the area. “All the industries, particularly those involved in thermal power generation, are failing to adhere to OSPCB guidelines. We have discussed how they are being followed and if there is a need for any amendment,” he said.
Pujari said not only fly ash but smoke and effluents are also a cause of concern. “RDC has been advised to seek the help of experts in IM-S, VSSUT, and VIMSAR,” he said.
Pujari said most of the time trucks are lifting ash from a source but dumping it at unauthorised places. “Plans are afoot for police to monitor these trucks through CCTV,” he said. Also, some industries are releasing effluent into the river. OSPCB officials will visit all industries and submit a report after reviewing the effluent disposal system. “Those releasing water into the river will be ordered to stop dumping it and recycle and reuse the water,” said the minister.
He said the district administration has been asked to identify industries that are generating fly ash. Subsequently, help will be sought from the mines department to identify new disposal sites. “They will be asked to provide a list of abandoned and inactive mines for the disposal of fly ash, he said.
Fly ash is being used by NHAI and works department for road construction. Also, youths can be provided loans through MSME to establish fly ash brick manufacturing units. The meeting organised at the office of RDC (northern division) was attended by MPs and MLAs of four districts, collectors, SPs, among other officers. Authorities of Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) joined the meeting online and told about the advisories issued to industries.