Coal plants in Korba generate over 200 lakh tones of highly polluting fly ash annually, according to Centre for Science and Environment. ‘Fly-ash’ refers to fine particles of ash sent up by the burning of solid fuel-like coal. Typically, this is the residue of ash generated by thermal power companies. Due to its toxic nature, the government has mandated that fly-ash must be dumped in ash ponds, which are specially made on vacant lands. However, this mandate is not strictly observed and casual dumping has resulted in the poisoning of air, water and land in areas close to the power plants. This has also had a negative impact on the health of people living in those areas. Illnesses like heart disease, lung cancer, both chronic and acute respiratory diseases, including asthma are increasing.

Bhadrapara village, Korba district, Chhattisgarh, India, 2017.