Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Policies and interventions and GS III – Conservation
In news
National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Limited has invited Expression of Interest (EOI) for sale of fly ash, in its endeavour to achieve 100% utilization of fly ash, from the designated plants of the Middle East and other regions.
What is Fly Ash?
Fly Ash is a byproduct from burning of coal in the thermal power generation.
It is called fly ash because it is transported from the combustion chamber by exhaust gases.
Uses: In concrete and cement products, road base, metal recovery, and mineral filler among others.
Harmful Effects:
Toxic air pollutants which can trigger heart disease, cancer, respiratory diseases and stroke.
When combined with water they cause leaching of heavy metals in ground water.
Affects the root development system of trees.
What is Fly Ash Utilisation Policy?
To promote the use of Fly Ash bricks in building construction, NTPC has set up Fly Ash brick manufacturing Plants at its Coal based Thermal Power Plants.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) has focused on new construction technologies such as using fly ash bricks that are innovative, and environmentally friendly.
Maharashtra was the first state to adopt the Fly Ash utilization policy.
A web portal for monitoring of fly ash generation and utilization and a mobile based application titled “ASHTRACK” has been launched by the Government.
GST rates on fly ash and its products have been reduced to 5%.
