In an attempt to contribute to the ‘Fly Ash Mission’, initiated by the Centre’s Department of Science and Technology, the Punjab Government has issued strict instructions to all agencies in the construction sector to ensure 100 per cent utilisation of fly ash.
For the purpose, the Government has also constituted a high-level committee to ensure strict compliance of instructions. Fly ash is fused residue of clay minerals present in coal. The high temperature generated when coal burns in thermal power plants, transforms the clay minerals in coal powder into a variety of fused fine particles of mainly aluminum silicate composition.
Its utilisation, especially in concrete, has significant benefits like it helps in increasing life of concrete roads and structures by improving concrete durability, besides net reduction in energy use and greenhouse gas and other adverse air emissions when fly ash is used to replace or displace manufactured cement. In addition, the fly ash utilisation also helps in reduction in amount of coal combustion products that must be disposed in landfills, and conservation of other natural resources and materials.
The ‘Fly Ash Mission’ was commissioned in 1994, with Technology Information and Assessment Council (TIFAC) as its implementing agency, in view of overall concern for the environment and the need for safe disposal and effective utilisation of fly ash.
Mission also propagates various developments in the area of fly ash utilisation carried out by the Research and Development Institute in India. Besides, the political will to encourage the use of fly ash has risen perceptibly. In the same line, Punjab Government has issued instructions to ensure 100 per cent utilisation of fly ash in accordance with the notification issued by the Science and Technology Department.
“As per stipulations, all coal, lignite based thermal power stations or expansion units in operation in the State on the date of notification would achieve 100 per cent fly ash utilisation within five years of notification. Similarly, new coal and lignite based thermal plants commissioned after November 3, 2009, are required to ensure 100 per cent utilisation of fly ash within four years of setting up of the plant,” informed a Government spokesperson.
The decision came after it has come to the notice of the government authorities that agencies involved in the construction of buildings and highways were not utilising fly ash as per stipulations.
“To ensure the strict compliance of these instructions, a state-level committee has been constituted for constructive and purposeful use of fly ash emitting from various thermal
plants of the State,” said the spokesperson.
The State’s Science Technology and Environment Department secretary would be the chairman of the Committee, with Power Secretary, Industries Department (Mining) director, Public Works Department (B&R) chief engineer (headquarter), and Punjab Pollution Control Board member secretary as its members.
Punjab State Power Corporation limited’s chief engineer (Thermal Design, Patiala) would be the member convener of the Committee.
“The State-level committee would ensure proper implementation of the rules framed by the Union Government for the utilisation of fly ash,”
he added.