The process of lifting ash from the Thermal Power Station in the Parli area of Beed district has officially begun. The ash generated at the plant is now being transported under police protection. It has been alleged that Walmik Karad, a close associate of former minister Dhananjay Munde and the prime accused in the murder case of Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, previously held a monopoly over the ash collection and sales business. However, Mahagenco officials have broken this monopoly by awarding contracts to other contractors through a legal tender process.
This move is being described as a major blow to the Karad gang in Beed district and is expected to curb the influence of the fly ash mafia in Parli taluka. Fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, is typically transported from power plants to cement companies, where it is used in the production of cement and wall blocks.
The Parli Thermal Power Station, a coal-based plant of the Maharashtra State Power Generation Company (Mahagenco), is located at Parli Vaijnath in Beed and generates around 750 MW of electricity every day. The transportation of the fly ash began on April 2.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Beed Superintendent of Police (SP) Navneet Kanwat said, “Mahagenco finalised 17 contractors to lift the fly ash from Dadahari Wadgaon village, where the plant is located, after a month-long process. To prevent any hurdles, 21 police personnel have been deployed for protection, following a request from the power plant authorities.” He added that the plant officials have paid to avail the police protection.
BJP MLA Suresh Dhas had earlier alleged that the local “fly ash mafia” intimidates contractors and prevents them from lifting ash from the Parli power plant. He specifically claimed that Walmik Karad was behind the cartel.
Recently, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar instructed officials in Beed to take strict action when necessary, regardless of political affiliation, and not to succumb to pressure. He also warned that gangs dominating the fly ash and sand collection businesses in the district would be dealt with firmly.
