Patratu : Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (PVUNL) organised its first Ash User Meet for Local Users and Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs) 2026 at NSB Hall, Patratu, on Wednesday, with the objective of promoting productive utilisation of fly ash and bottom ash and encouraging greater participation of local industries and entrepreneurs in ash utilisation initiatives.
The programme was inaugurated by Ashok Kumar Sehgal, CEO, PVUNL, along with Arun Kumar Singh, GM (O&M); R.K. Niranjan, GM (Maintenance); and Prashant Pandurang Patil, GM (Operation & FM) through ceremonial lighting of the lamp.
Addressing the gathering, Sehgal highlighted PVUNL’s commitment to the inclusive development of the local community through responsible and productive utilisation of ash. He said greater use of fly ash by local industries could generate opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.
He also emphasised PVUNL’s commitment to achieving 100% ash utilisation through productive and environmentally sustainable applications. He encouraged local industries, entrepreneurs, MSMEs and other stakeholders to explore opportunities for developing ash-based products and businesses.
Sehgal further stated that PVUNL would facilitate ease of business for eligible local users and industries by making ash available from the ash mound, subject to applicable guidelines and procedures. He said increased local participation could create a win-win ecosystem by supporting environmental sustainability, strengthening local industries and contributing to the economic development of surrounding communities.
Arun Kumar Singh, GM (O&M), and R.K. Niranjan, GM (Maintenance and Ash Utilisation),** also highlighted the need for innovative and effective utilisation of ash and encouraged local stakeholders to explore new applications.
Shivam Singh, Secretary, Jharkhand Small Industries Association (JSIA), addressed the gathering and highlighted the potential of ash utilisation in strengthening local industries and creating new business opportunities for MSMEs. He encouraged entrepreneurs and industrial units to explore the growing scope for ash-based products and applications.
The technical session was conducted by C. Pandey, AGM (NI), NTPC Raipur, who provided detailed insights into ash utilisation, its applications and the opportunities available for industries and other users.
N. Kalidas, Director, INSWAREB, joined the programme online and shared his expertise on the utilisation of fly ash and bottom ash, with a focus on innovative and sustainable applications.
The event witnessed participation from JSLPS women’s Self-Help Groups, block and tile manufacturers, brick makers and other local entrepreneurs from nearby villages and areas. More than 70 participants** attended the programme.
The Ash User Meet provided a common platform for PVUNL, local industries, Micro & Small Enterprises, entrepreneurs and technical experts to exchange knowledge, understand the potential of fly ash and bottom ash, and explore opportunities for collaboration and sustainable business development.
