Congress stages walkout from Chhattisgarh Assembly over alleged illegal fly ash dumping in Raigarh

Congress stages walkout from Chhattisgarh Assembly over alleged illegal fly ash dumping in Raigarh

**Legislative Stalemate Erupts Over Allegations of Improper Fly Ash Disposal in Chhattisgarh**

Raipur, Chhattisgarh – A significant disruption marked the proceedings of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly today as opposition members staged a walkout, protesting alleged irregularities in the disposal of fly ash generated by thermal power plants in the Raigarh district. The contentious issue, brought to the fore by the opposition, centres on the utilization of fly ash for land and mine filling activities, raising concerns about potential environmental ramifications.

The debate gained momentum following a statement by the State’s Finance Minister, O.P. Choudhary. Minister Choudhary informed the House that between the period of 2023 and February 4, 2026, a substantial quantity of fly ash produced by 24 thermal power plants operating within the Raigarh district was reportedly utilized for land reclamation and mine void filling projects. While the government presented this as a method of waste management and resource utilization, opposition legislators expressed grave concerns regarding the transparency and environmental safeguards associated with these operations.

Opposition leaders argued that the scale of fly ash generation and its subsequent disposal through land and mine filling necessitate stringent regulatory oversight and public disclosure. They voiced apprehensions that inadequate environmental impact assessments and a lack of robust monitoring mechanisms could lead to long-term ecological damage, including potential groundwater contamination and soil degradation. The opposition’s demand for a comprehensive inquiry into the matter, along with immediate cessation of such activities pending a thorough review, was not met to their satisfaction, prompting their walkout from the Assembly.

The Finance Minister, in his address, attempted to assuage the concerns by highlighting the government’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. He emphasized that the utilization of fly ash for filling purposes is a recognized practice aimed at addressing waste management challenges and contributing to land restoration efforts. However, the specifics of the permits, the environmental clearances obtained, and the monitoring protocols in place for these operations remained a point of contention for the opposition.

The walkout signifies a deepening political divide over environmental governance in the state. The opposition has vowed to continue its advocacy for greater accountability and transparency in the handling of industrial by-products, particularly those with potential environmental risks. They have indicated plans to raise the issue through various parliamentary channels and to mobilize public opinion on the matter.

This incident underscores the critical need for a balanced approach to industrial development and environmental stewardship. As Chhattisgarh continues to be a hub for thermal power generation, the responsible management of fly ash and other industrial waste products will remain a paramount concern for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the public alike. The resolution of this legislative impasse will likely hinge on the government’s ability to demonstrate robust environmental protection measures and to foster greater trust and transparency in its dealings with sensitive ecological issues. The episode serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing dialogue required to ensure that economic progress does not come at the expense of the state’s natural heritage.

This article was created based on information from various sources and rewritten for clarity and originality.