Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards sustainable infrastructure development and environmental protection, Odisha today launched an online web portal dedicated to streamlining fly ash utilization in road projects across the state.
The portal, developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) with sponsorship from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and patronage from the Works Department, was unveiled during the State Level World Environment Day 2025 celebrations at Krushi Shiksha Sadan, OUAT Campus, Siripur, Bhubaneswar.
The launch event was graced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Minister for Forest Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, ACS Home, Forest and Environment Satyabrata Sahu, and other senior officials, underscoring the state’s commitment to addressing the challenge of fly ash management.
Odisha, despite abundant fly ash availability from its thermal power plants, has grappled with its efficient and regulated utilization, particularly in large-scale road construction. This new portal aims to bridge the gap between supply and demand, facilitating the equitable allocation of fly ash and aligning with the principles of a circular economy.
The innovative platform will serve as a central hub where thermal power plants and other ash generators can declare the quantity of fly ash they can make available for road projects. Conversely, construction agencies like NHAI and the state PWD can raise project-specific demands for the crucial material.
A key feature of the portal is its intelligent allocation system. It will consider factors such as the distance between the ash generator and the project site, the declared availability of ash, and the willingness of generators to supply, ensuring rational and efficient distribution.
The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) will play a pivotal role as the facilitator, overseeing the operation and maintenance of the portal and acting as a mediator to resolve any issues that may arise during the allocation and execution process.
This initiative is expected to significantly boost the utilization of fly ash in highway projects, reducing the environmental impact of this industrial byproduct while simultaneously providing a sustainable and cost-effective material for infrastructure development in Odisha. The portal represents a collaborative effort to transform a challenging waste management issue into an opportunity for environmental sustainability and economic growth.