Jhansi: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought responses from the concerned authorities over the reported discharge of fly ash from Jhansi’s Parichha Thermal Power Plant into the Betwa river, raising pollution concerns.According to an NGT order issued on Sept 10, a joint investigation committee constituted by the Jhansi district administration inspected the site on June 17 and 23. According to the applicant, Narendra Kushwaha, the committee confirmed the discharge of fly ash into the river.The complaint alleged that fly ash discharged from the plant into the Betwa contained toxic heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, cadmium, chromium and mercury, contaminating the river water. It further alleged that the pollution was adversely affecting the aquatic ecosystem, fisheries and other organisms dependent on the Betwa.Observing that the matter raises issues relating to environmental norms, the NGT issued notices to the respondents.Counsel for several respondents accepted the notice and sought four weeks’ time to file their replies.The matter has been listed for further hearing on Nov 19.
