Ranchi : Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (PVUNL) organised its first-ever Bottom Ash User Meet at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ranchi, to promote the productive utilisation of bottom ash in construction and industrial applications.
The initiative aimed to sensitise industries, entrepreneurs and Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) about the potential of bottom ash as a sustainable alternative to natural sand. The event also focused on conserving natural resources, reducing dependence on conventional construction materials and encouraging environmentally responsible industrial practices.
PVUNL CEO Inaugurates the Meet
The programme was inaugurated by Ashok Kumar Sehgal, Chief Executive Officer of PVUNL, in the presence of R.K. Niranjan, General Manager (Maintenance and Ash Management), and other senior officials of the organisation.
Additional General Managers representing AUD, FES and PE departments also attended the event.
Addressing the participants, Sehgal emphasised that the primary objective of the initiative was to encourage the wider utilisation of bottom ash as an alternative to natural sand in construction activities.
He said that greater utilisation of bottom ash would help conserve valuable natural resources and reduce dependence on conventional construction materials.
Focus on Industry Opportunities and Environmental Sustainability
Sehgal highlighted that the initiative was not limited to environmental conservation but also offered opportunities for industrial growth and entrepreneurship.
He said the productive utilisation of bottom ash could support local businesses, encourage new enterprises and contribute to the inclusive economic development of communities surrounding the power plant.
He further reaffirmed PVUNL’s commitment to facilitating ease of doing business for enterprises involved in sustainable infrastructure development.
85 Industry Stakeholders Participate
Organised in collaboration with IIM Ranchi, the event witnessed participation from 85 key industry stakeholders representing public and private sector organisations.
Prominent organisations participating in the discussions included:
- Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)
- Hindalco Industries
- National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC)
- Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)
- Central Public Works Department (CPWD)
- MECON
- Jharkhand Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (JIIDCO)
- Various Regional Municipal Corporations (RMCs)
Participants exchanged views on the effective utilisation of bottom ash, resource optimisation and its integration into mainstream industrial and construction applications.
The interactive discussions also provided an opportunity for industry representatives and entrepreneurs to explore potential applications and business opportunities associated with the material.
Promoting a Circular Economy Through Industrial By-products
The first Bottom Ash User Meet marks an important step towards strengthening cooperation between PVUNL and industry stakeholders.
By encouraging the productive utilisation of industrial by-products, the initiative seeks to promote a circular economy in which materials are reused rather than discarded.
PVUNL aims to expand awareness about bottom ash, encourage its wider application and support sustainable construction practices.
The initiative is expected to contribute to natural resource conservation, industrial collaboration and environmentally responsible development in the region.
