25 June,2026 07:12 PM IST | Mumbai | PTI
Chandrapur pollution concerns prompt state audit of thermal power plants. Representational Pic
The Maharashtra government on Thursday agreed to carry out an audit of thermal power plants after legislators raised concerns in the Assembly about the disposal of fly ash and its impact on the environment, particularly in Chandrapur district, as per PTI reports.
Responding to a calling attention notice moved by BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar, Environment Minister Pankaja Munde said "The government will conduct the necessary audit and review of thermal power plants and their fly ash management systems. Action will be taken wherever violations are found."
Raising the issue in the House, Mungantiwar said fly ash, a byproduct of coal-based thermal power generation, can be effectively used in road construction, cement concrete and brick manufacturing. However, he alleged that it is often dumped in an unscientific manner, creating environmental and health concerns.
As per the news agency, he pointed to instances of large-scale fly ash accumulation and stressed the need for strict monitoring of thermal power plants, especially in Chandrapur, one of Maharashtra's major power-generation centres.
Fly ash is widely used in construction and infrastructure projects, but environmental groups and local residents have repeatedly raised concerns about improper disposal and its effect on land, water and air quality.
Joining the discussion, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray claimed that fly ash ponds were being created at several locations without adequate scientific safeguards, as per the news agency.
Referring to a visit to Nandgaon village, he alleged that hundreds of acres of land had been covered with fly ash deposits, affecting both the local environment and nearby residents.
Thackeray demanded a detailed audit of thermal power plants to examine how fly ash is being stored, transported and utilised, and whether the plants are complying with environmental norms.
Accepting Thackeray's demand, Munde said the issue warranted closer scrutiny and assured the House that the government was committed to ensuring scientific disposal and utilisation of fly ash.
She said she had personally visited Chandrapur and Ballarpur during a period of extreme heat to assess the situation on the ground. During the visit, she inspected coal mines, cement factories and other industries and interacted with farmers and local residents, reported PTI.
The minister informed the Assembly that the Chandrapur district collector has formed a committee to monitor the situation and that directions have already been issued to industries concerned to take corrective measures.
Munde also highlighted the broader environmental challenges facing the region. She noted that Chandrapur is home to coal-based industries, cement plants and railway infrastructure, all of which place pressure on the environment.
She said climate change remains a major challenge and stressed that both the government and industries must work together to address environmental concerns.
According to Munde, the government is examining the issue comprehensively and is working on short-term, medium-term and long-term measures to reduce pollution and safeguard public health. "The issue is serious and the government has taken it seriously," she said.
(With PTI Inputs)
