Nagpur: Raising concerns over the worsening impact of fly ash pollution on residents of North Nagpur, Congress MLA and former minister Nitin Raut on Wednesday submitted a petition under Rule 266 of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, seeking urgent intervention to address the issue.Raut alleged that fly ash generated from the Koradi Thermal Power Station and mining activities of Western Coalfields Limited is severely affecting the health of people living in several densely populated localities of North Nagpur.Areas such as Bezonbagh, Nara, Nari, Indora, Mankapur, Godhani and Uppalwadi are reportedly witnessing continuous dispersal of fly ash, exposing residents to serious health risks.The MLA claimed that apart from deteriorating air quality, groundwater and drinking water sources in the vicinity are also being contaminated by waste generated from thermal power projects. He pointed out that despite raising the matter during the previous budget session, authorities have failed to take concrete steps to mitigate the problem.Raut further alleged administrative apathy, noting that the surveillance committee constituted by the Union environment ministry has not convened a meeting for nearly one-and-a-half years. He also claimed that regular health camps are not being organised in pollution-hit areas.In his petition, Raut highlighted a rise in respiratory ailments, asthma and other lung-related diseases among residents and demanded special medical screening camps and immediate preventive measures.The Assembly Speaker has referred the petition to the Petitions Committee for further examination. The committee may seek reports from concerned departments, hold hearings and recommend remedial measures to the state government.
