Khaparkheda Power Plant Under Fire for Restarting Fly Ash Disposal in Nandgaon
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Nagpur, India: The village of Nandgaon in Nagpur district is once again at the centre of environmental concerns after the Khaparkheda Thermal Power Station allegedly resumed dumping fly ash slurry into a previously closed ash pond. Locals and environmentalists are warning that the move could trigger a serious ecological and health disaster.
Despite earlier orders from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) in 2022 to halt dumping activities at the site, residents claim the power plant has restarted operations without proper public consultation or environmental safeguards. The return of fly ash disposal has raised fears of water contamination, crop damage, and long-term health risks.
Villagers say fly ash has already rendered large portions of farmland infertile, forcing many to abandon agriculture. Several families have reported damage to wells and borewells due to seepage of ash-laden slurry into groundwater. “We are losing our land, our health, and our future,” said a resident of Nandgaon.
Environmental experts have echoed the villagers' concerns. They are demanding immediate cessation of fly ash disposal, proper containment infrastructure, and restoration of damaged agricultural lands and water sources. There are also calls for long-term compensation and alternative livelihood support for affected families.
Civil society organisations, including the Centre for Sustainable Development, have urged authorities to take strict action and ensure continuous monitoring of such hazardous operations. With the monsoon approaching, there is growing urgency to prevent further spread of fly ash contamination.
Locals warn that if swift intervention does not occur, Nandgaon could face an irreversible environmental tragedy.
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