The Hindu Business Line : Flyash has many uses, but few takers: Expert

The Advisor of Fly Ash Mission, Dr Vimal Kumar (centre) having a word with Mr M.K. Das, Director (Vigilance), Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, at a workshop on `Fly ash utilisation' organised by the plant in Visakhapatnam. Prof R.V. Rama Rao (left) is also seen. - C.V. Subrahmanyam

Visakhapatnam , March 17

FLYASH has many uses, but few takers and this situation has to be changed as several thermal power plants are churning out huge quantities of flyash in the country, Dr Vimal Kumar, the adviser to the Union Ministry of Environment in the utilisation of flyash, has said.

He was speaking at a seminar on flyash utilisation organised by the Visakhapatnam steel plant here.

Dr Vimal Kumar said there were a great many misconceptions and apprehensions about flyash not only in the general public, but even among experts, and they would have to be dispelled to popularise its use as construction material and in the field of agriculture.

He said flyash was not hazardous and it did not contain toxic substances, but it could cause air pollution or damage the fields if steps were not taken to use it properly. He said it could be used to increase agricultural yields, reclaim waste lands and for preparation of bricks and pozzolonic cement.

Referring specifically to Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, where two major thermal stations are situated, he said it could be used in these parts for wasteland development.

Referring to a comment made by an earlier speaker, he said it may not be that easy to apply the "polluter pays" principle to flyash use, as it would increase the cost of power.

Earlier, Prof R.V. Rama Rao, another expert, expressed the opinion that the recent guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Environment were too heavily loaded in favour of the producers of flyash and they were too harsh on the users.

"Once it is agreed that flyash is a waste material, and that it could pollute the environment, if it is not used or disposed of properly, the onus should be on the thermal plants. They are generating flyash and therefore, as the Supreme Court says, the polluter should pay. The users of flyash should not be burdened. The cost of storage and transportation should be borne by the thermal plants," he said.

Mr M.K. Das, Director, Visakhapatnam steel plant, Mr S. Surya Prasad, an environmental engineer of the AP Pollution Control Board, and several others spoke on the subject.

More Stories on : Environment | Andhra Pradesh | Coke & Metalurgical Coke

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page