NTPC Bongaigaon achieved milestone with Commercial Pond Ash Evacuation

NEW DELHI- NTPC Bongaigaon, a power station in Assam, has achieved a major milestone as it commenced the commercial evacuation of pond ash, marking the first-of-its-kind initiative for the station. The successful trial pond ash evacuation was conducted in December 2022, paving the way for the commercial operation.

The station had auctioned 3 lakh metric tons of pond ash through M/s MSTC, and the offered quantity was fully auctioned at a price of Rs 64-68/- PMT in February 2023 for a period of one year. Pond ash evacuation has been a long-standing target for NTPC Bongaigaon, and it has been achieved with the diligent efforts of Shri Karunakar Das, CGM, NTPC Bongaigaon, and the environment monitoring group, who took great interest in accomplishing this target from its inception.

The opening function of the commercial pond ash evacuation was attended by Shri Sanjay Pande, GM (FGD), Shri I. S. Reddy, GM (Maintenance), Shri Arunashis Das, GM (Project), and officials from EMG and Civil O&M. Prior to the start of the evacuation, a safety pep talk on bulk material handling and road safety was administered to the pond ash lifters, emphasizing the importance of safety in the handling of the material.

The commercial evacuation of pond ash from NTPC Bongaigaon is a significant achievement for the station, as it showcases its commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. 

Pond ash, which is a byproduct of coal combustion in power plants, can be utilized in various applications such as construction, cement manufacturing, and road building, among others. This initiative by NTPC Bongaigaon is expected to contribute to the circular economy and promote sustainable utilization of resources, while also generating revenue for the station.