Pushing The Green Agenda Forward

In realizing the government’s vision to achieve Net Zero by 2070, the construction sector has a major role to play. Taking cognizance of the ecological impact of construction sector, the Indian Government has been taking concerted measures. For instance, a few months earlier, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) informed that it is looking to bring building materials like asbestos and gypsum under quality control norms, a move aimed at containing import of sub-standard goods and boosting the domestic industry. In this regard, the department has sought industry comments on draft quality control orders (QCOs) for concrete, asbestos, gypsum and ceramic-based materials industry.

Additionally, National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) along with the Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, has been doing field trials on NHAI projects for use of Phosphor-Gypsum in the National Highway construction to achieve a circular economy in the use of Gypsum. NHAI is also encouraging the use of waste plastic in the construction of road projects. Several studies have proved that the construction of one kilometer of a 4-lane highway helps in the disposal of around seven tons of plastic waste.

As a matter of fact, Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has always been vocal about finding greener alternatives to cement and other raw materials for construction. Taking the green bandwagon ahead, the Government of India and the World Bank have signed an agreement for the Green National Highway Corridors Project, with loan assistance of $500 million against total project cost of $1,288.24 million (Rs 7,662.47 crore). An aggregate length of 781 km will be constructed in the states of Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.

All these developments reflect the shifting infrastructural dynamics in the country. Ably backing this stupendous growth are the construction companies who are introducing new age materials and technologies that are not only efficient and cost effective but are highly sustainable and technically advanced in nature.

Our April issue is dedicated to all these fast-shaping developments in the construction sector, be it the innovation in construction chemicals or green roofing solutions. These stories bring to you an amalgamation of industry best practices in these dynamic domains and present a way forward which is eco-efficient.

Hope this issue helps every reader in taking the green foot forward…