Environmental authorities impose Rs 68,445 penalty after complaints from villagers over pollution, road safety risks and crop damage in the Gharghoda area
RAIGARH (India CSR): The Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board (CECB) has imposed a penalty of Rs 68,445 on TRN Energy Power Plant in Raigarh district’s Gharghoda area for allegedly violating environmental norms during the transport of fly ash.
The action came after repeated complaints from local villagers and rising public anger over the unsafe transportation of ash from the plant. According to officials, the fly ash was being carried in open or improperly covered vehicles, causing ash to spill onto roads and disperse into the air.
The pollution watchdog conducted a spot inspection and found serious irregularities in the transport process. Officials said the unsafe handling of fly ash had affected nearby rural areas and major roads around Gharghoda.
Residents alleged that the flying ash reduced visibility on roads, increasing the risk of accidents. They also claimed that the spread of ash was affecting public health, with respiratory complaints rising in nearby villages. Farmers in the area said ash deposits on crops were causing economic losses.
An environment department official said industrial units have clear instructions to transport fly ash only in fully covered vehicles, such as tarpaulin-covered trucks or capsule systems. The official added that TRN Energy was found to be in violation of these rules, following which the environmental compensation was imposed.
Authorities warned that if such negligence continues, stricter action could follow, including possible suspension of plant operations.
The action is being seen as a strong message to industrial units that fail to follow environmental safeguards in the name of development.
“Industrial units have been clearly instructed that fly ash must be transported only in fully covered vehicles such as tarpaulin-covered trucks or capsules. TRN Plant was found violating these rules, on the basis of which this penalty has been imposed. If the negligence continues, action as severe as closure of the plant may also be taken.” — Environment Officer, Raigarh
(India CSR)
