HC seeks reply from respondents on Nandgaon ash pond overflow near Koradi, Khaparkheda plants

The matter of pollution spreading from the ash of the Koradi and Khaparkheda thermal power stations in Nagpur district is now before the Bombay High Court. Rajesh alias Dhammesh Chauhan has filed a public interest litigation (PIL) on the subject. The court has now taken a strict view of the overflow of the Nandgaon ash pond.

Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Rajnish Vyas directed the respondents to file their replies. The court said clearly that if the respondents do not file replies, it will consider taking necessary action against them.

In the petition, the petitioner has raised the issue of toxic emissions from the Khaparkheda Thermal Power Station (KTPS) and their deadly effect on the environment. The petition particularly draws attention to water pollution caused by the discharge of ash into rivers and through drain water.

During the hearing, amicus curiae N. B. Kalwache said the overflow of the Nandgaon ash pond has caused heavy losses to villagers and fishermen. According to him, a nearby pond has also been polluted, and the livelihoods of many fishermen depend on it. He also said a cow and a buffalo have died in the incident.

The court's attention was also drawn to a news report published on October 29, 2026. It also emerged during the hearing that experts had suggested building lagoons to deal with the problem, but this was not acted upon. The amicus curiae said the respondents are not serious about the villagers' difficulties.

The court had earlier cited an important report by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), NEERI and IIT Bombay. The report was submitted on July 8, 2024. It studied air quality and sources of emissions in 10 cities of the state, including Nagpur, Amravati and Chandrapur. The study clearly found that the largest burden of emissions comes from thermal power plants such as Koradi and Khaparkheda.

The High Court has also earlier taken suo motu cognisance of previously published reports on the city's air pollution. The court has also ordered that suo motu petition be clubbed with this PIL.