THE issue of disposal of fly ash has always been a headache for Energy Department all over the State. The power plants generate fly ash in huge quantity which is one of the main factors causing pollution.There are cement industries in Chandrapur and Nashik that use this fly ash thereby creating not only employment but also reducing pollution caused by it.

There are no cement plants near Koradi or Khaparkheda, the area where power plants exist that create fly ash. Considering this lacuna, Dr Nitin Raut, Maharashtra’s Energy Minister has decided to bring a cement plant near Koradi. He wants to set up such cement plants near power plants but at this juncture he is contemplating to introduce one near Koradi.

National Green Tribunal and Ministry of Environment and Forest keep issuing guidelines regarding utilising fly ash. In fact there is a heavy demand for fly ash but the cost of transportation is huge. To resolve the issue in order to maximise utilisation of fly ash, Dr Raut came up with this idea. Explaining the idea, Dr Raut said, “Cement plant needs more fly ash. If cement plant comes near Koradi, transportation cost would be reduced as the ash would be carried in nearby industry.

The setting up of cement plant will give rise in employment.” Maharashtra Pollution Control Board calls power industry as most polluting industry. Fly ash management would surely help in reducing that pollution factor. To run cement plant the department has to install equipment FGD (Flu Gas Desulpharisation) that absorbs the particles in fly ash. Installing this equipment is mandatory. Cement plant plus installation of FGD would resolve the issue of fly ash. The fly ash produces another pollutant in the form of gypsum. Right now the solution of disposing gypsum is not in sight. “I have asked officials to prepare a policy report for disposal of fly ash. I had a meeting with officials in presence of Environment Minister Aaditya Thackeray.

Fly ash can be utilised in road construction. Government is doing an ambitious project of Samruddhi Mahamarg where fly ash is being used. But they are taking it free of cost. Now I have decided to appeal Government that it would buy fly ash from us. We will provide transportation for free but charge for the fly ash,” Dr Raut made it clear. Dr Raut discussed the issue of power sector in detail wherein he revealed about bringing Maharashtra Power Distribution Sector reforms, Market assessment for Mahagenco, Thermal analysis, cement demand analysis, indicator details for cement branding units, cement plants in Maharashtra will be studied.

The strategy for use of standard capacity would be chalked out. MSEB making extra payment to NMC DR NITIN Raut, Minister of Energy said,“We are taking water from Nagpur Municipal Corporation from Sewage Treatment Plant to be used at Koradi and Khaparkheda Thermal Power Station. NMC charges Rs 16.40 per MLD water.

 

Our requirement is 60 MLD but contract was signed for 100 MLD. We are paying for full 100 MLD water it means we are paying extra to NMC. I shall take steps so that the extra payment can be stopped. Proposal for 2 pc discount in power bills ready: Dr Raut “I HAVE promised to provide 2 per cent discount in electricity bills and I shall keep trying at Government level to fulfill the same.We have prepared the proposal which would need the provision of Rs 2,000 crore,” informed Dr Nitin Raut, Maharashtra’s Energy Minister. He was speaking to mediapersons during the informal chat at Press Club on Friday. With Ganesh festival beginning on Saturday, Dr Raut appealed everybody to follow self-discipline. He said,“Administration is taking hard efforts but it is the duty of citizens also abide by the rules.

 

Everybody should wear the mask, use sanitizer and follow social distancing.” Expressing concern over the rising number of corona positive cases, Dr Raut said, “I have plannned to develop Jumbo hospital to treat patients. At the same time I found people prefer to go to private hospital than to go to Government ones. We have listed 16 private hospitals which would provide treatment to Covid 19 patients.” Dr Raut protested the decision of Uttar Pradesh Government that had arrested him when he visited Bansa village in Azamgarh district of Uttar Pradesh to console the family members of Pappu Ram alias Satyamev Jayate. Pappu Ram who died was well acquainted with Dr Raut.