This story is from May 8, 2019

Fly ash triggers pollution, Faridabad residents say rules violated

Residents have written to the state environment minister and the civic authorities about non-compliance of norms during lifting of fly ash from a 80-acre dump site near Sector 49, Faridabad.
Fly ash triggers pollution, Faridabad residents say rules violated
Residents have written to the state environment minister and the civic authorities about non-compliance of norms during lifting of fly ash from a 80-acre dump site near Sector 49, Faridabad.
GURUGRAM : Residents have written to the state environment minister and the civic authorities about non-compliance of norms during lifting of fly ash from a 80-acre dump site near Sector 49, Faridabad.
In the 1990s, fly ash, mixed with water, was dumped in the area from a thermal power plant operated by Haryana Power Generation Corporation Ltd. The plant was shut down in 2011 and over the next five years, vegetation grew over the wet ash, ensuring that the fly ash did not cause any pollution.

However, in 2016, the government gave permission for transportation of the fly ash to other places for construction. The vegetation was removed and currently, around 100 truckloads of dry fly ash are lifted from the site, every day.
TOI visted the spot and found out that an 80-metre hole has been dug in the area. Last year, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed authorities to install sprinklers in the area, and install sheets around the site to control dust pollution. However, we found out that nothing has been done in this regard.
The site is located at the entry point of the Faridabad-Gurugram highway and fly ash from the site has been causing dust pollution in the area. Residents from nearby colonies have complained of breathing and other related problems. “My wife is suffering from asthma due to the fly ash in the air. Not just my wife, many residents are suffering from respiratory diseases and allergies. A few families have moved out from the colony over related concerns,” said Sanjay Rao, a resident of Sainik Colony, Sector 49. He added that the authorities didn’t even conduct a health check-up of residents, despite multiple requests.

The fly ash is transported via highways and roads in the area, without taking any precautions. It contains harmful ingredients, including carbon oxide, that could cause several diseases. “The fly ash turns the floor of our balcony and terrace black, every day. As the wind speed has been increasing this summer, more of it has been moving into our houses. One can see a cloud of black fly ash over the dump site. It poses a risk to health of residents, especially children and elderly living in this area,” said Aditi, another resident.
Residents said that the government was not maintaining a check on whether contractors were following NGT norms. “We have made several complaints with the authorities, but no action has been taken. It is high time to take this issue seriously as the quality of air in the city is bad anyway,” said Jitender Bhadana from NGO Save Aravali.
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