‘Survey abandoned mines for disposal of ash from KTPS’

Nagpur: Seeking a permanent solution to the growing ash disposal challenge at the Koradi and Khaparkheda thermal power stations, revenue minister and Nagpur guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has directed the Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA) to undertake drone surveys of abandoned mines that can be used for ash filling.The directive was issued during a special review meeting on ash management held at the District Planning Committee Hall. Bawankule said the identification of suitable closed mines is essential for the scientific disposal and utilisation of the large quantities of ash generated by the two thermal power plants and accumulated in ash ponds.Under the proposed plan, NMRDA will conduct detailed drone-based mapping of abandoned mining areas to assess their suitability for ash filling and reclamation activities. The initiative is expected to create additional disposal capacity while helping restore degraded mining sites.Bawankule stressed all agencies must work in coordination to address the issue on a priority basis. He also directed user agencies such as NHAI, NIT, PWD, MOIL and WCL to submit their ash requirements within 15 days so that pond ash can be utilised in infrastructure and mine-filling projects.To monitor implementation, a special committee comprising three chief engineers of Mahagenco has been constituted. The committee will review progress every fortnight and oversee ash generation, transportation and utilisation. He also called for increased use of pond ash as an alternative to river sand and instructed WCL and MOIL to prioritise its use for mine reclamation, filling works in accordance with DGMS guidelines.