Odisha serves notice on Vedanta, OPGC over flyash utilisation

Odisha has issued notice to Vedanta and Odisha Power Generation Corporation (OPGC) for failing to utilise the flyash being generated from their thermal power plants in the state, an official said on Saturday.

The State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) has asked them to reply to the notice within 10 days for failing to achieve 100 percent utilisation of flyash during last year as well as in 2015.

"The information available with the board on status of flyash utilisation from April to August 2015 indicates that you have not been able to utilise 100 percent of fly ash generated during the period," said a letter SPCB separately dispatched to the companies.

"The status of utilisation of flyash during 2014-15 also indicated that you have failed to achieve 100 percent fly ash utilisation."

It has asked the companies to explain why consent to operate granted should not be revoked and appropriate action should not be initiated for violating the stipulated conditions laid in the consent order.

According to the official, Vedanta Ltd. is operating a 2,400 MW power plant, a captive 1,215 MW power plant and a aluminium smelter plant with a capacity of 7.75 lakh metric tone per annum, in Jharsuguda district.

The Ib thermal power station of OPGC is operating a 420 MW power plant at Banharpali in Jharsuguda district.

SPCB has asked all district collectors to ensure use of fly ash bricks in various construction sites in their respective districts.

It has also asked the town planning authority to approve building plans with use of fly ash bricks.