Maharashtra Government to Launch Policy Benefiting Local Industries from Thermal Power Plant Ash: Fadnavis
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Synopsis
Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis revealed plans for a policy that will allow local industries to benefit from thermal power plant ash, ensuring their growth while adhering to central regulations regarding ash auctioning.
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra government to introduce new ash policy.
- Local industries to receive subsidies for ash utilization.
- Policy implementation expected within one month.
- Investigations into auction irregularities will be conducted.
- Support for local industries emphasized by CM Fadnavis.
Mumbai, March 18 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, announced on Tuesday that the state government is set to unveil a detailed policy aimed at ensuring that local industries gain from the ash produced by thermal power plants, thus promoting industrial development.
He stated, "In 2016, the state had established a policy that allocated 20 percent of the ash for local industries and 80 percent for auction purposes. However, following the directive from the Central government, all ash must now be auctioned. To assist local industries, a new policy will be crafted that adheres to this directive while facilitating their growth," he addressed the Assembly in response to questions raised by legislators Nana Patole, Vijay Wadettiwar, and Prakash Solanke.
CM Fadnavis highlighted that in regions where ash is plentiful yet unprocessed, industries focused on ash utilization can be developed.
To promote such industries, subsidies will be available, and the new policy is expected to be implemented within one month, as he stated.
The policy will be structured to ensure that local industries are not at a disadvantage and receive the necessary benefits, he added.
According to the guidelines from the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, ash from thermal power plants is sold through auctions, CM Fadnavis mentioned.
However, he noted that irregularities have been observed in some auction processes, and strict measures will be taken against those accountable.
The state government will conduct investigations into cases of delayed auctions, take action against defaulters, and confiscate illegal stockpiles while pursuing criminal charges against those involved in unauthorized transportation, the Chief Minister stated.
