The Congress MLAs staged a walkout in the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly on Friday, accusing the BJP Government of failing to curb the alleged illegal dumping of fly ash in Raigarh district. The issue was raised during Question Hour by senior Congress MLA Umesh Patel, who sought details about the number of industries in Raigarh district generating and dumping fly ash. He also asked how many cases of illegal or unauthorised dumping were reported in 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26 (till February 4, 2026), and what action had been taken against violators. Patel further questioned the government about its action plan to address environmental pollution caused by fly ash and coal transportation in the district, and the extent to which the plan had been implemented on the ground.

 

Replying to the queries, Finance Minister OP Choudhary informed the House that fly ash generated by 24 thermal power plants in Raigarh district during 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26 (up to February 4, 2026) was utilised for land filling and minefilling. Of these plants, six also temporarily stored ash in their own ash dykes. He stated that 49 cases of illegal or unauthorised fly ash dumping were recorded during the said period and that action was taken in each case, including the imposition of environmental compensation on the violators. Choudhary also informed the Assembly that the Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on June 26, 2024, to prevent pollution during transportation of raw materials, products and waste by road.

 

The SOP came into effect on August 1, 2024. Additionally, an Industrial Waste Management and Monitoring System (IWMMS) has been operational since May 1, 2025, to monitor the movement of industrial solid waste. Environmental compensation is imposed on industries found violating SOP norms during transportation, he added. However, Patel alleged that illegal dumping was still taking place at locations such as Botalda and Banipathar villages in Raigarh district, including along roadsides.

 

He claimed that officials were providing incorrect information and said he had already lodged complaints regarding the issue. In response, Choudhary asserted that action against transportation-related violations under the current government was “ten times more” than during the previous Congress regime. He alleged that no action had been taken in 2021-22 and 2022-23 under the former government and maintained that the present administration was working towards implementing a model SOP to further strengthen enforcement. Dissatisfied with the minister’s reply, Congress members briefly walked out of the House.