The disposal and use of ash produced by thermal power plants have become a pressing and urgent task. In many ways, using fly-ash in construction will be a long-term solution.

The circular also stated that the country generates a lot of fly ash, and a lot of it isn't used, which is a big problem for the environment. This can also be harmful to one's health. In addition to taking up a lot of space, unutilised fly-ash takes up a lot of lands.

The increased reliance on thermal power over the years has left a huge hillock of fly-ash at the thermal stations in Karnataka, according to the media. As a result, there was a shortage of available space. The energy department of the state proposed using a variety of technologies to use fly-ash in construction.

Within a hundred km of coal or lignite-based thermal power plant, the cost of transportation of ash for road construction projects, manufacturing of ash-based products, or use as a soil conditioner in agriculture activity shall be borne by the coal or lignite-based thermal power plant, according to the circular.

It went on to say that transportation costs beyond a radius of a few hundred kilometres, up to 300 km, should be split evenly between the user and the coal or lignite-based thermal power plant.

Specifications for the use of fly ash in two, four, and six lane highways, among other things, have been issued by MoRTH. The use of fly-ash for embankment construction is permitted under Section 305 of the Ministry's Specifications for road and bridge works.