CPCB directs states to Implement fly ash directive by December 31
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has directed all state pollution control boards and pollution control committees to strictly implement the Centre’s notification on utilisation 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 that not only pollute local soil, air and water but also cause harm to public health. Keeping this in mind, the government had notified a policy for utilising fly ash in 2009. However, its implementation has remained tardy. The CPCB issued the directions as non-utilisation and insufficient utilisation of ash generated from coal and lignite based thermal power plants were leading to a major environmental problem. It asked state boards to enlist all brick manufacturing units located within a radius of 100 km of thermal power plants in states . District magistrates have been 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 the meetings of state level monitoring committee by June 30 every year.
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