New Delhi: National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), Odisha, to strengthen the management, monitoring and utilisation of fly ash generated from its operations.
The MoU was signed on September 18, 2026, in the presence of Ganesh Ram Sing Khuntia, Minister of State for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Government of Odisha, and Pankaj Kumar Sharma, Director (Production), NALCO.
The collaboration is aimed at promoting scientific and environmentally responsible fly ash management while encouraging its beneficial utilisation and strengthening institutional capacity for handling the industrial by-product.
NALCO and Odisha Pollution Control Board to Collaborate on Fly Ash Management
Fly ash is a by-product generated during coal-based power generation and various industrial processes. Its proper management is important from both environmental and resource-utilisation perspectives.
While inadequate handling of fly ash can create environmental concerns, scientifically managed fly ash can be utilised in several productive applications, including construction, road development and land-related activities.Through the MoU, NALCO and SPCB Odisha will work together to improve practices related to the management and beneficial utilisation of fly ash.
Key areas of collaboration include:
- Environmental assessments related to fly ash management and utilisation
- Promotion of beneficial utilisation of fly ash in suitable applications
- Training and capacity-building programmes for improved handling and disposal practices
- Strengthening coordination between industry and the state pollution control authority
- Supporting more environmentally responsible management of industrial by-products
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Focus on Environmental Monitoring and Capacity Building
A key component of the partnership is strengthening environmental assessment and monitoring related to fly ash. The collaboration is expected to facilitate greater coordination between NALCO’s operational expertise and the regulatory role of the State Pollution Control Board.
Training and capacity-building programmes will also form part of the collaborative efforts. These initiatives are intended to improve awareness and practices related to the handling, management and disposal of fly ash.
MoU Supports Sustainable Industrial Practices in Odisha
The agreement comes in the broader context of efforts to promote sustainable industrial practices and reduce the environmental footprint of large-scale manufacturing and power generation activities.
By bringing together NALCO and SPCB Odisha, the MoU seeks to combine industrial knowledge, environmental assessment and regulatory oversight to support responsible resource management.
NALCO’s Role in Responsible Resource Management
NALCO has emphasised the importance of responsible management of industrial by-products as part of its broader focus on sustainable operations.
The company said the collaboration with SPCB Odisha will contribute to building a more environmentally responsible and resource-efficient system for managing fly ash generated from its operations.
The partnership is expected to strengthen institutional coordination and support initiatives aimed at improving environmental performance, promoting resource utilisation and building capacity for better fly ash management.
About NALCO
National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) is a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Mines, Government of India. The company is an integrated aluminium producer with operations spanning bauxite mining, alumina refining, aluminium smelting and power generation.
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