With reference to fly ash utilization in thermal power plants, consider the following statements: 1. Thermal power plants must achieve a minimum annual fly ash utilization target of 80%. 2. The CPCB is a statutory organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 3. Non-compliant plants will face a penalty of ₹5,000 per tonne of fly ash. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Thermal power plants must achieve 100% fly ash utilization or face ₹1,000 per tonne

GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Nuclear & new energy technology· Prelims + Mains· 21 October 2026

Waste management and circular economy: a relevant GS3 and Environmental Governance case study.

Why in news

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that thermal power plants must achieve 100% fly ash utilization to avoid environmental compensation.

Background

The CPCB stated that thermal power plants must undergo annual audits to verify fly ash utilization. Non-compliant plants will face a penalty of ₹1,000 per tonne of fly ash.

Facts for Prelims

BodyCPCB: Central Pollution Control Board is the statutory organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
FactPenalty for non-compliance: ₹1,000 per tonne of fly ash.
FactUtilization targets: 100% total utilization with a minimum annual target of 80%.
BodyNGT: National Green Tribunal is the judicial bodyhearing environmental cases in India.

Prelims practice question

With reference to fly ash utilization in thermal power plants, consider the following statements:

Thermal power plants must achieve a minimum annual fly ash utilization target of 80%.
The CPCB is a statutory organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Non-compliant plants will face a penalty of ₹5,000 per tonne of fly ash.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)2 only
(b)3 only
(c)1 and 2 only
(d)2 and 3 only

Show answer

Answer: (c) 1 and 2 only — Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect: The penalty is ₹1,000 per tonne of fly ash.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the regulatory mechanisms required to ensure the circular economy of industrial waste, specifically fly ash, in India's power sector.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Regulatory oversight: Strengthening CPCB's audit frequency and enforcement of environmental compensation penalties
Circular economy: Transitioning from waste disposal to industrial reuse in brick and block manufacturing
Environmental impact: Mitigating air pollution and land degradation caused by improper fly ash dumping

Keywords: Circular Economy · Environmental Compensation · Regulatory Compliance · Waste Management · Pollution Control

Read the full news →Report a mistake in this note How notes are made Source: The Hindu ↗Also: GS3 · Pollution (air, water, plastic)Also: GS2 · Transparency, accountability & RTI

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