PVUNL Holds First Bottom Ash Users' Meet to Promote Eco-Friendly Construction Materials

Ranchi: Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (PVUNL) organised its first Ash Users' Meet for bottom ash consumers at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ranchi, on Friday, bringing together industry representatives, entrepreneurs and Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) to explore sustainable uses of the industrial by-product in construction.

The initiative aimed to promote bottom ash as a potential alternative to natural sand in construction applications, helping conserve natural resources and reduce dependence on conventional building materials.

The event was inaugurated by PVUNL CEO Ashok Kumar Sehgal in the presence of R.K. Niranjan, General Manager (Maintenance and Ash Management), and other senior officials, including Assistant General Managers from AUD, FES and PE. The officials highlighted the technical potential of bottom ash and its possible environmental benefits when used as a substitute for natural sand.

Addressing the participants, Sehgal said the initiative was intended to encourage wider utilisation of bottom ash while supporting environmental sustainability and resource conservation. He noted that greater adoption of the material could open up business opportunities for industries and entrepreneurs, strengthen local enterprises and contribute to the economic development of communities around the project area.

He also reiterated PVUNL's commitment to facilitating ease of doing business for enterprises interested in sustainable infrastructure and construction solutions.

Organised in collaboration with IIM Ranchi, the event attracted 85 industry stakeholders. Representatives of major public and private sector organisations, including Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Hindalco, NBCC, SAIL, CPWD, MECON and JIIDCO, along with various Regional Municipal Corporations (RMCs), participated in the discussions.

The interactive sessions focused on the effective utilisation of bottom ash, resource optimisation and ways to integrate the material into mainstream industrial and construction applications.

The meeting marks a step towards strengthening cooperation between power generation companies, industries and construction-sector stakeholders to promote the productive use of industrial by-products. PVUNL aims to expand awareness and encourage wider applications of bottom ash as part of efforts to advance resource efficiency and a circular economy.

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