CEE Jul-Sep-2012

It has always been our endeavour to report on the various technical achievements of our Member Companies through this Journal. In the last 2-3 issues we have covered topics on Utilization of Alternate Fuels, Environmental Concerns, such as LEFT (Land, Environment, Forests, and Tribal) etc. The present issue presents a paper on the overview of Cement Concrete Roads. CMA has been closely tracking, all along, the various issues impacting cement industry, particularly, those relating to energy efficiency, environmental regulatory control measures, development and revision of standards for cement etc. with the concerned authorities and Ministries from time to time. An issue that has emerged as an area of increasing concern, is the availability and use of water and the need for the development of aNational Water Policy. In fact, these days across the various forums, the water issue is being projected as one of the most intracable problems that will assume huge dimensions in the years to come. It is widely mentioned that, God Forbid, if at all there is a World War Ill, it may be fought on the issue of Water. DIPP, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has recently sought the views of the industry on the Approach Paper on development of a National Water Policy. In this connection aseries of Meetings have already been held resulting in some preliminary recommendations. Though, as on date, there is no sector-wise classification of the policy and since cement industry is also one of the industries consuming water, we need to assess and review our water usage pattern and identify suitable and adequate measures towards water conservation like rain water harvesting and the like to meet any eventuality of any cap on water utilization being imposed in future. While it is heartening that cement industry on its own, is already, taking necessary measures in this direction by ensuring 'zero' discharge process, it isequally important to re-assess the availability, requirement, usage pattern and the current conservation measures and evaluate whether these are adequate to meet the future demand projections. CMA will be looking forward to the views of its esteemed Members on the subject to apprise the concerned authorities accordingly so that these are given due consideration in the formulation of Water Policy.