Maharashtra becomes first Indian state to adopt Fly Ash Utilisation Policy

Maharashtra on 15 November 2016 became the first Indian state to adopt Fly Ash Utilisation Policy. The policy will pave way for prosperity by creating wealth from waste, and environment protection.

The decision to implement the policy was taken at the weekly cabinet meeting chaired by state Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Key highlights of the Fly Ash Utilisation Policy

• As per the policy, 100 per cent of fly ash generated from thermal power plants and biogas plants will be used for construction activities.

• This fly ash will be used to make bricks, blocks, tiles, wall panels, cement and other construction materials.

• The policy also allows usage of fly ash within 300 kilometres of the power plant. Earlier, it was allowed to  be used within 100 kilometres radius.

• The policy will create new employment opportunities in the power plant areas.

• It will also make available raw material for construction at low cost to help Housing for All projects.

What is Fly Ash?

• Fly ash is one of the coal combustion products.

• It is composed of the fine particles that are driven out of the boiler with the flue gases.

• In modern coal-fired power plants, fly ash is generally captured by electrostatic precipitators or other particle filtration equipment before the flue gases reach the chimneys.

• Fly ash includes substantial amounts of silicon dioxide, aluminium oxide and calcium oxide.

Reuse of Fly Ash

Fly ash can be reused as a substitute material for Portland cement and sand in concrete production. It can also be used for road construction. Its agricultural uses include soil amendment, fertilizer, cattle feeders and soil stabilization in stock feed yards etc. It can also be used as a substitute material for clay for cement clinkers production.

Environmental impact of Fly Ash

Heavy metals can leach from stored fly ash into groundwater, which can put the health of the surrounding population in danger. Apart from causing air pollution, it can also contaminate water and soil systems.