FLY ash-laden wind has become a major issue for people from villages near NSPCL Power Plant in Bhilai-3. It occurs every year due to changing weather conditions and blowing of winds but the power plant management is accused of failing to take adequate measures for checking this pollution issue effectively by villagers.

Expressing ignorance NSPCL authorities claimed that sprinkling of water and other necessary measures have been initiated for checking the fly ash getting blown by the wind.

According to information with change in weather conditions the fly ash gets spread in the air with the blow of the wind and this has become a major issue for people from villages including Ganiyari and Somni in Bhilai-3. With blowing of ash laden winds people were seen driving vehicles with switching on lights during noon hours to avoid possibility of mishaps as visibility became considerably low. Besides, the villagers were also complaining about burning sensation in eyes and problems in performing any outdoor activities. With blowing winds everything outdoors was coated with a layer of white grey ash. The vehicles, trees and houses in the location were seen coated with a fine layer of the ash. The persisting situation has forced the villagers to remain indoors to avoid health issues.

Toshan Verma, Corporator, Ward-38, Bhilai-3 Charoda Municipal Corporation alleged the power plant management of failure in checking the issue. They should have taken up adequate sprinkling of water for checking the spread of fly

ash. He also informed that the apathy on part of the power plant management was also raised in the general body meeting of the corporation, held on Monday.

Abdul Wasim, Public Relation Officer, NSPCL, Bhilai-3 informed that in view of change in weather conditions they have pressed into service additional sprinklers for sprinkling of water for checking spread of fly ash in air. Besides there is also a sucking system for loading of fly ash to avoid spreading it in air during transportation. To a query regarding the complaints of villagers and local representatives Wasim said that in such a situation the team of expert officials from the department concerned will personally inspect the location and ensure all due measures for relieving villagers of the problem and the NSPCL is sensitive to the issues of the villagers.