Coal fly ash transportation in open trucks causing air pollution in Singrauli and Sonbhadra

The Joint Committee reported that the transportation of coal and fly ash is causing dust pollution in Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh. These roads are also used by the public. Dry ash is moved in large containers, while wet ash is moved in covered trucks and tractors.

The report, which was submitted on December 19, 2023, states that the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recommended the use of specially designed covered trucks to transport ash and reduce emissions in their 2013 guidelines, but no one is currently using them.

Trucks causing air pollution in Singrauli

The report was in response to a National Green Tribunal order regarding a complaint by Pankaj Kumar Mishra against the Union of India about the situation in Singrauli.

In response to concerns raised by local resident Pankaj Kumar Mishra regarding the environmental impact of fly ash transportation, a joint committee has submitted a comprehensive report to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on October 11, 2023.

Mishra highlighted issues related to the heavy transportation of coal ash in the Singrauli and Sonbhadra regions, leading to road damage and pollution. He emphasized that the transportation of fly ash in open trucks, in violation of norms, is causing health hazards, breaching CPCB guidelines from March 2019.

The NGT sought responses to these concerns under Para 8 of its order and has now received a detailed report from the joint committee. The report focuses on the operations of M/s NTPC Limited in the Singrauli area, specifically two operational sites for ash disposal.

The complainant said that the heavy transportation of coal ash in Singrauli and Sonbhadra is damaging the roads and causing pollution. He also said that fly ash is being transported in open trucks against regulations, and this activity is causing health hazards in an area of 30 km in Singrauli and Sonbhadra, which are in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. This is against the CPCB guidelines from March 2019 for the disposal and use of fly ash.

In Singrauli, trucks carrying coal and fly ash are causing dust pollution. The public uses the same roads. Large containers move dry ash, while covered trucks and tractors move wet ash. However, the Joint Committee report states that they are not currently using any specially designed covered trucks to transport the ash, as the CPCB guideline from 2013 recommended.

Abandoned Gorbi Mine Pit (Plot No-604, Tal: Chitrangi)

• Capacity: 24 million MT, consented for 10 Lacs MT dumping.

• Current Filling Rate: 1500 MT daily.

• Transportation: Dry fly ash transported in bulkers; occasional dust pollution due to dusty roads addressed through regular cleaning and water sprinkling.

Kh.no. 2156(S), Village: Daga

• Quantity: 130,000 M3 of pond ash.

• Transportation: Pond ash transported in covered trucks to prevent spillage.

• Environmental Measures: Regular water sprinkling, controlled speed limits, and transportation strictly in the night.

The report also outlines the comprehensive measures undertaken to address concerns related to both dry and wet ash transportation:

• Consent and Permissions: Obtained necessary consents from regulatory authorities, including the District Collector's office and MPPCB.
• Environmental Safeguards: Implementation of green curtains, water sprinkling, and soil cover on top of ash fill areas.
• Transportation Protocols: Strict adherence to CPCB guidelines for covered transportation, speed limits, and deployment of traffic controllers.

In addition to the specific measures for ash transportation, the report emphasizes the significance of road maintenance and the challenges faced due to the shared use of roads for both public commuting and coal/fly ash transportation.

The committee includes representatives from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the District Forest Officer (DFO), and the Regional Officer of MPPCB. The report concludes by affirming ongoing efforts to address concerns raised by Mr. Mishra and emphasizes the commitment to environmental compliance.

This report signifies a step forward in ensuring transparency and accountability in environmental practices, aiming to strike a balance between industrial operations and ecological well-being.

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