The Current Outlook of India on Fly-Ash Disposal
India has been making consistent efforts to reduce fly ash disposal in the atmosphere and create safe disposal methods. But still, it seems like, India is still lagging in the safe disposal of fly ash, as many many cases are being reported in the country where people or animals get to suffer from serious illnesses due to inhaling fly ash. In India, there are around 285 coal-powered thermal power plants, which produce more than 217 million tonnes of fly ash each year and out of which only 168 tonnes are being utilized by other Industries. Thus for the safe disposal of more than 50 million tonnes of fly ash, a proper disposal method is required.
Environmental and Health Impact of Fly ash
Air pollution has increased significantly in almost all the regions of India in the past few years, and most of it is accounted for by industries and power plants. Power plants and many industries release their byproduct into the atmosphere which may constitute harmful gases, fly ash, etc. In recent times many cases have been reported in India where fly ash from the thermal power plants is getting carried out by air in the nearby villages and causing air and water pollution also leading to the death of many aquatic creatures. Recently a case was reported in Kosasthalaiyar where ash carrying pipeline of the North Chennai Thermal Power Station (NCTPS) leaked and resulted in severe water pollution.
According to a report in 2018-19 only 78% of the total fly ash produced in India has been utilized.