The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) on October 13, 2025, issued the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Reclamation of Low Lying Areas by Filling with Ash.
The following has been stated namely: -
• The SOP prescribes a structured process for reclaiming low-lying land in Odisha using ash from thermal power plants and industrial sources, emphasising environmentally sound management.
• It requires “borrow areas” to be cleared of vegetation and unsuitable material, the ash to be suitably moistened and compacted to the specified density, and then covered with topsoil and vegetation for final reclamation.
• The document prohibits reclamation using ash in ecologically sensitive zones, forest land (unless cleared), flood plains, or agricultural/gochar land, unless requisite approvals are in place.
• Transportation, storage, and handling of ash must prevent air and water pollution — for example, by maintaining moisture content (minimum ~15 %), using covered vehicles, and ensuring dust suppression.
• Monitoring protocols are specified: the reclaimed sites shall be periodically surveyed for groundwater/surface water quality, flora/fauna impact, and structural stability; the implementing agency shall maintain records.
• The SOP aligns with earlier national guidelines and stipulates that filling activities must proceed only after obtaining necessary permissions (from SPCB, Mines safety authorities, etc.), and underscores that deviations will be treated as violations under relevant environmental laws.
[Notification no. - 18295/IND-I-CON-MISC-1758]
