19 coal mines allocated for sustainable fly ash disposal

10 Jul 2024 CW Team

A Central Level Working Group (CLWG), chaired by the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, was established in 2023 to oversee this process. Thermal power plants interested in utilising mine voids for fly ash disposal submit their applications to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), which are then reviewed in CLWG meetings. This systematic allocation addresses environmental concerns associated with fly ash while promoting sustainable practices within the coal mining sector.

To date, approximately 20.39 lakh tonnes of fly ash have been successfully repurposed at the Gorbicoal mine pit-1, demonstrating the practical benefits of this initiative. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in its notification dated 3 November 2009, defines "fly ash" to include various forms such as Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) ash, dry fly ash, bottom ash, pond ash, and mound ash. Rich in silicon dioxide (SiO2), calcium oxide (CaO), and aluminium oxide (Al2O3), fly ash is increasingly valued for its potential in construction and other industrial applications.

The Ministry of Coal, in collaboration with the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI), is also developing a centralised portal to streamline the application process for the allocation of mine voids. This portal is expected to enhance transparency and efficiency in managing fly ash backfilling activities.

Furthering its commitment to sustainable mining practices, the Ministry is conducting comprehensive feasibility studies to determine the optimal methods for mixing fly ash with overburden in operational mines. These studies, conducted in collaboration with the Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR), include significant research at the Nigahi operational mine to establish the best percentage of fly ash to be mixed with overburden. Results from these studies are anticipated soon.

Through these initiatives, the Ministry of Coal is ensuring the safe handling and management of fly ash, mitigating potential environmental risks associated with heavy metal leaching and fine particle emissions. By fostering collaboration with power plants, industries, and regulatory bodies, the Ministry aims to achieve optimal fly ash management, paving the way for a cleaner environment and a more sustainable approach to energy generation in India. (Source: ET)

In a strategic move towards environmental sustainability, the Ministry of Coal (MoC) has allocated 19 coal mine voids to 13 thermal power plants (TPPs) for the disposal of fly ash. This initiative aims to mitigate the environmental impact of coal combustion and promote the reuse of fly ash in various applications. A Central Level Working Group (CLWG), chaired by the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, was established in 2023 to oversee this process. Thermal power plants interested in utilising mine voids for fly ash disposal submit their applications to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), which are then reviewed in CLWG meetings. This systematic allocation addresses environmental concerns associated with fly ash while promoting sustainable practices within the coal mining sector. To date, approximately 20.39 lakh tonnes of fly ash have been successfully repurposed at the Gorbicoal mine pit-1, demonstrating the practical benefits of this initiative. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in its notification dated 3 November 2009, defines fly ash to include various forms such as Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) ash, dry fly ash, bottom ash, pond ash, and mound ash. Rich in silicon dioxide (SiO2), calcium oxide (CaO), and aluminium oxide (Al2O3), fly ash is increasingly valued for its potential in construction and other industrial applications. The Ministry of Coal, in collaboration with the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI), is also developing a centralised portal to streamline the application process for the allocation of mine voids. This portal is expected to enhance transparency and efficiency in managing fly ash backfilling activities. Furthering its commitment to sustainable mining practices, the Ministry is conducting comprehensive feasibility studies to determine the optimal methods for mixing fly ash with overburden in operational mines. These studies, conducted in collaboration with the Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR), include significant research at the Nigahi operational mine to establish the best percentage of fly ash to be mixed with overburden. Results from these studies are anticipated soon. Through these initiatives, the Ministry of Coal is ensuring the safe handling and management of fly ash, mitigating potential environmental risks associated with heavy metal leaching and fine particle emissions. By fostering collaboration with power plants, industries, and regulatory bodies, the Ministry aims to achieve optimal fly ash management, paving the way for a cleaner environment and a more sustainable approach to energy generation in India. (Source: ET)

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..