Coal ash surge at N'cholai power plant raises fresh environmental concerns

Environmental groups have raised fresh concerns over increasing levels of coal ash generated at the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant, warning of serious environmental and public health risks if proper disposal mechanisms are not urgently implemented.

- IFHAM NIZAM

Environmental scientist and Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) Chairman Hemantha Withanage, in a strongly-worded comment yesterday, said the growing volume of ash was being treated as a "blessing" by authorities, while, in reality, it posed a major ecological threat.

He told The Island: "More coal and more ash are being celebrated as a blessing. People around Norochcholai should get ready to apply it on their foreheads — and this will affect everyone, regardless of political affiliation."