NTPC to use bagging machines to pack fly ash at Kahalgaon plant.

PTI reported that NTPC's thermal power plant at Kahalgaon in the state is setting up bagging machines in the unit for mechanised packing of ash for use in cement firms in North-East, after warning from pollution control board and protests from locals against open filling of fly ash.

Mr DK Gupta, AGM of Environment Management Group at NTPC, Kahalgaon, said that '6 bagging machines are expected to start working from November-end this year. The 6 machines would fill 4,800 bags an hour.'

Mr Gupta said that 'Initially, the machines would scientifically deal with 4,000 tonne of fly ash daily coming out from thermal power plant.'

Kahalgaon Super Thermal power station is the 7th station of NTPC with an installed capacity of 4x210 MW and 3x500 MW.

Presently, ash disposal is done manually in open on the sides of National Highway 80 and near to Ganga river creating environmental problem.

Mr Subhas Singh, chairman of state Pollution control board, said that taking serious note of environmental problems on this account, the board has asked the plant to deposit INR 10 lakh as security money for taking safe environmental measures.

Mr Singh said that 'If the plant continues to violate the norms and goes ahead with open filling of fly ash in sacks in open violation of norms, the board can recommend closing of the unit too.'

STEEL GURU