Bhubaneswar: A breach in an ash pond operated by NTPC Limited at Derang in Kaniha led to ash slurry flowing into nearby villages, agricultural fields, and a playground after heavy rainfall on Thursday night.
According to reports, a portion of the ash pond embankment gave way under the impact of continuous rain, allowing ash-laden water to spill into adjoining areas. The slurry also reached locations near the Tikira River, raising environmental and public safety concerns among local residents.
While the full extent of the damage is yet to be officially assessed, NTPC officials stated that only a limited section of the ash pond was affected. They estimated the breached portion of the embankment to be approximately 20–30 feet wide.
Heavy monsoon rainfall is believed to have contributed to the embankment failure. Restoration work, including mud filling to seal the breach, was initiated soon after the incident.
Residents, however, expressed concern over what they described as repeated monsoon-related breaches, questioning the effectiveness of temporary repair measures and calling for stronger long-term safeguards to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident has renewed attention on the importance of robust ash pond management, particularly during the monsoon season, to minimise risks to nearby communities, agricultural land, and water bodies.
