BHUBANESWAR: In a major setback to Nalco, the Orissa State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) has directed the aluminium major to show cause why restrictions on power generation should not be imposed until the ash pond system management and disposal mechanisms are improved.The company has also been directed to stop discharge of ash slurry to the Compartment B of Ash Pond-2 and initiate urgent measures to strengthen the dykes and prevent any possible breach.The Board found serious failures during an inspection earlier this month. The Ash Pond-1 had been completely filled up and the Compartment B of the Ash pond-2 was found in an unserviceable state. The pond-3, used as an overflow pond, was also filled up with ash and weeds.Moreover, seepage collected through garland drains was being released into the Nadia river without any treatment. The overall supervision and maintenance of the ponds were not satisfactory. The existing ash slurry pipelines ruptured at frequent intervals, the inspection report pointed out.Nalco had made a presentation before the Board in March last year on measures taken to improve fly ash management. However, the proposed high concentration slurry disposal (HCSD) system over an area of 46 acre was yet to be constructed and disposal of fly ash lean slurry in the mine void of Bharatpur would take at least a year. It was to be completed by November 2011.“There has also been serious complaints from the locals on possibilities of breaches in the dykes which would cause serious damage to their agriculture fields, habitation and main river systems,” OSPCB member-secretary Siddhant Das said. The company has been given 15 days to reply.
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