CEE Jan-Mar 2012

) - PLASTIC POLYMER MAY REPLACE CEMENT A professor from Rutgers University in New Jersey has predicted that plastic may be a material used for road construction . Professor Thomas Nosker has recently developed plastic polymer that makes use of shredded heavy plastics mixed with fiberglass. The material developed by him is reportedly capable of replacing FUTURISTIC TECHNOLOGY cement. He looked into the material's features to develop a construction material. The material is economical as millions of tonnes of plastic waste is generated yearly. The material also makes use of a cleaner manufacturing process that does not make use of additional chemicals in order to recycle plastic. The said materials are also heated using electricity which may be generated through the use of renewable sources. Previously, plastic polymer was used to construct a 26 by 15 foot bridge in Maine. The material eliminates the need for steel and pressure treated hardwood during the construction process. Courtesy: Construction Industry Review, Feb. 13, 2012, P10. GREEN FIELD PLANTS & EXPANSION DISPUTES BETWEEN COMPANIES AND LOCALS STALL NEW CEMENT PLANTS It is an uphill task to set up cement plants these days, especially in eco-sensitive regions. In recent times, the cement industry has witnessed a number of protests against setting up of cement plants in their vicinity. This year, itself, more than 10 new plants have been stalled due to protests from locals, environmentalists, ecologists, NGOs and politicians. The mineral rich state of Meghalaya, where high quality limestone is available, has seen maximum number of protests, which have stalled setting up of many new plants. Politicians in Meghalaya have demanded enquiry into construction of cement plants in forest areas in Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. It is being claimed by pol iticians that at least eight companies - Star Cement, Topcem, Adhunik, JuD Best, Hills Cement, etc - have set up cement plants without prior permission for the Union Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF), before using forest land for non-forestry purpose. Lafarge ran into rough weather when local residents filed a petition in court against illegal mining of limestone in East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, which later found its way to Bangladesh. Himachal Pradesh, known for its abundant flora and fauna and snowy mountains, has witnessed many uprising against cement projects. Many proposed plants have been stalled due to opposition and strict environmental regulations. In Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, people facing displacement due to an upcoming greenfield plant of Lafarge India have stalled the project. Himachal Pradesh High Court has quashed Harish Cement's bid to construct a cement plant near the Bandil Life Sanctuary in Mandi district. The court has overruled the environmental clearances granted by the Central environment ministry and the notifications of land acquisition issue by the state government. The business-friendly state of Gujarat has also witnessed opposition. Nirma ltd has experienced stiff opposition by farmers, NGOs and local politicians for a cement plant in Mahuva taluka, Bhavnagar. After a month-long protest, the Environment Ministry was convinced that the proposed site, where Nirma Ltd wanted to set up the plant, was environmentally sensitive wetland that supported local people in their agriculture. The Ministry of Environment & Forests has directed immediate halt to work at the proposed plant. Traditionally, cement is considered as an environmental pollutant. Globally, cement has got a bad name and is responsible for generating 5 per cent of carbon dioxide. Cement has no viable recycling potential, since roads, houses, buildings require fresh supply of cement. Cement dust, which is released during manufacturing, contains heavy metals like nickel, cobalt, lead, chromium which lead to