Toxic Fly Ash: Chhabra Plant Expansion Faces Activists’ Criticism | Jaipur News

Jaipur: Due to the power department’s failure to ensure proper disposal and utilisation of toxic fly ash earlier, the proposed expansion of the Chhabra thermal power plant (2×660 MW) in Baran district has faced criticism from both environmentalists and locals.

Following the announcement by CM Ashok Gehlot regarding the plant’s expansion, an expert appraisal committee has issued the terms of reference (TOR), which signifies the green light to initiate the procedures for obtaining environmental clearance. However, watchdogs, including green activists, and villagers have alleged that the thermal plant has failed to meet the deadline fixed for putting accumulated fly ash to alternate use and that ponds known as dykes are brimming with toxic slurry. They alleged that increased production would further exacerbate the environmental situation in the vicinity.
“According to the power plant’s records, a staggering 14.90 lakh metric tonnes of fly ash were accumulated in the pond as of June 2023. The administration has faltered in ensuring its complete utilisation for environmentally friendly objectives in accordance with the regulations set forth by the central government for its disposal and utilisation. The proposed new plant will only exacerbate the challenges the region faces,” said environmental advocate Tapeshwar Singh Bhati.

Rajasthan Pollution Control Board’s (RPCB) report on stake emissions monitoring for the current units 1 to 6 reveals that the thermal power plant is surpassing the prescribed limits for air emissions, thus contributing to environmental pollution.
In the past, farmers and residents who lived near the thermal power plant were at risk as the toxic fly ash emanating from it contaminated the water in the Parvati River. The slurry overflowed into nearby reservoirs, which were sources of potable water and farming for millions of people.
Sitaram, who lived in the nearby Motipura village, said, “The ash waste was being disposed of unscientifically in huge ponds right in the middle of agricultural fields. The situation was so due to the violation of norms. The toxic slurry has been poisoning our groundwater, air and standing crops.”
An official said on condition of anonymity, “Efforts are being made to utilise the fly ash, and tenders have been invited for its transportation. In the past, the state was receiving inferior quality coal, which was producing fly ash in abundance.”