Odisha’s private thermal power plants in Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, and Sambalpur are grappling with a critical ash management issue that could imperil the state’s industrial ambitions and energy stability. These plants, which produce approximately 8,000 MW of electricity, are essential to both Odisha’s industrial and residential energy demands. However, the mounting challenge of managing fly ash—the residue from coal-based power generation—threatens the continuity of operations and raises serious environmental concerns.
Industry experts are sounding the alarm, noting that if immediate action is not taken, some plants may be forced to shut down, a move that would disrupt Odisha’s power supply chain and hamper its plans for industrial growth. The crisis stems from inadequate guidance on the designation of safe ash disposal zones and bureaucratic bottlenecks preventing timely action.
Slow Implementation of Ash Disposal Protocols
The State Pollution Control Board has recommended abandoned mines as potential fly ash disposal sites, but delays in execution persist. Local officials, including tehsildars, have identified inactive mines that could serve as disposal areas, yet the mining department’s lack of clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) has stalled authorization. While ash disposal protocols have technically been in place since 2017 and were further reinforced by a Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) mandate in 2021, enforcement is still inconsistent across the board.
The issue has reached the desk of Revenue Minister Shri Suresh Pujari, who recently ordered district collectors to expedite permissions. However, the ambiguity in guidelines has left many collectors unsure of how to proceed, stalling any progress.
Rising Environmental and Public Concerns
The public’s anxiety about environmental degradation has intensified, fueled by unverified information on social media and visible ash accumulation around these plants. “The government must act swiftly to resolve these ash management issues,” emphasized Prasanna Mohanty, a respected power sector expert. Mohanty stressed that without urgent intervention, ash buildup could lead to forced shutdowns, jeopardizing Odisha’s industrial infrastructure and increasing the risk of power shortages statewide.
As Odisha strives to bolster its industrial capacity and maintain energy reliability, experts urge that clear and actionable SOPs for ash management are critical. Delayed meetings and the lack of coordination between departments exacerbate the problem, underscoring the need for a coordinated, immediate response to avert a looming energy crisis in the state.
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