Illegal fly ash dumping by Ind Synergy Limited on Kotwari land in Raigarh has destroyed trees, ruined farmlands, and left farmers fighting for justice amid administrative silence.
RAIGARH (India CSR): A video investigation by YouTuber Vipin Mishra on the program “Nyayal” has exposed a deepening environmental and social crisis in the village Panchayat of Siyar Pali in Raigarh District of Chhattisgarh. The report highlights the illegal dumping of fly ash by Ind Synergy Limited (a company led by Anoop Bansal, Ghanshyam Dalmia, and Shrawan Agrawal), a power and steel company operating in the region, on Kotwari land—government land that cannot legally be occupied—posing grave risks to the environment, livelihoods, and public safety.
Illegal Dumping on Kotwari Land
The focal point of the report is the unauthorized use of Kotwari land, where Ind Synergy Limited is allegedly dumping massive quantities of fly ash without permission. The unchecked activity has devastated the local ecosystem, destroyed hundreds of trees, and crippled agricultural activities. Farmers, who depend on this land for survival, say their complaints have been ignored by the administration.
Trees Destroyed, Livelihoods Shattered
The video documents the destruction of 40–50 mahua trees, a vital source of income for villagers. “These trees are not just part of the environment; they are part of our livelihood,” one resident says in the report. The loss underscores the double blow of economic hardship and ecological degradation inflicted on rural families.
Mountains of Industrial Waste
Thousands of truckloads of fly ash from Ind Synergy Limited’s industrial units have been dumped, forming what locals describe as “mountains of waste.” These mounds spill over into fertile agricultural fields, rendering the soil infertile and contaminating water bodies. Experts warn that such large-scale negligence can have long-term consequences for agricultural productivity and rural food security.
Safety Hazards Ignored
One of the most alarming revelations is the absence of safety measures at the dumping site. Without boundary walls or protective barriers, villagers and animals risk sinking into the loose fly ash mud. The video shows a local resident narrowly escaping after his foot got trapped—an incident that highlights the potential for fatal accidents.
Encroachment and Land Grab Allegations
Ind Synergy Limited is accused of encroaching upon public roads by dumping fly ash strategically along their edges. Farmers allege this is a covert attempt to seize control of public infrastructure. A partially built wall with only a narrow gap for the road further fuels suspicion of land grab tactics that threaten villagers’ mobility and access.
Farmers’ Voices Suppressed
Despite repeated protests and petitions, farmers say their grievances have been systematically ignored. They demand compensation for crop losses and damage to agricultural land but claim neither Ind Synergy Limited nor the administration has provided relief. The indifference has fueled anger and despair in a community already struggling with the impacts of industrial expansion.
Call for Accountability
The revelations raise sharp questions about governance, regulatory enforcement, and the role of political authorities in protecting rural citizens from industrial exploitation. Environmental activists argue that the situation demands immediate intervention by state authorities, stricter enforcement of environmental regulations, and the establishment of fair compensation mechanisms for affected farmers.
(India CSR)
