EIACP (PC-RP) on Environmental Problems of Mining

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TECHNOLOGY : Flyash Disposal and Utilization: The Indian Scenario

Rajiv Sinha
Department of Civil Engineering
IIT Kanpur

Thermal Power stations using pulverized coal or lignite as fuel generate large quantities of ash as a by-product. There are about 82 power plants in India, which form the major source of flyash in the country. With the commissioning of super thermal power plants and with the increasing use of low grade coal of high ash content, the current production of ash is about 85 million tonnes per year. This figure is likely to go upto 100 million tonnes per year by the year 2000 AD and pose serious ecological problems.

Appreciating the overall concern for the environment and the need for the safe disposal and effective utilisation of flyash, Department of Science & Technology (DST) as the nodal agency and Technology Information and Assessment Council (TIFAC) as the implementing agency commissioned a Flyash Mission in 1994. Flyash Mission: a Technology Project in Mission Mode (TPMM) is being implemented with participation of Ministry of Environment & Forest, Ministry of Power, Thermal Power Stations, R&D institutions and Industry. The focus is on demonstration of coal ash related technologies for developing confidence and thus ensuring large scale adoption. A number of projects taken up by the industry, R&D institutions and academia have shown encouraging results. Some of these projects have been completed, multiplier effects have started and other projects are heading towards meaningful completion. A judicious mix of select thrust areas have been taken up for concerted efforts. These include Flyash Characterisation, Hydraulic Structures, Handling and Transportation, Agriculture related studies and Application, Ash Ponds and Dams, Reclamation of Ash Ponds for Human Settlement, Roads and Embankments, Underground Mine Fills and related research projects.

Although the scope for use of ash in concrete, brick making, soil-stabilization treatment and other applications has been well recognized, only a small quantity of the total ash produced in India is currently utilized in such applications. Most of the ash generated from the power plants is disposed off in the vicinity of the plant as a waste material covering several hectares of valuable land. The bulk utilization of ash is possible in two areas, namely, ash dyke construction and filling of low-lying areas. Coal ash has been successfully used as structural fills in many developed countries. However, this particular bulk utilization of ash is yet to be implemented in India. Since most of the thermal power plants in India are located in areas where natural materials are either scarce or expensive, the availability of flyash is bound to provide an economic alternative to natural soils.

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