Government today launched a scheme to promote usage of Geotechnical Textiles in the North East to develop the region's infrastructure.
"The ultimate objective of the scheme is to introduce modern cost-effective technology pertaining to the application and usage of geotechnical textiles in the development of infrastructure of NE Region, which is likely to boost the region's economy," Textiles Ministry said in a statement.
Geotechnical Textiles provide the functional advantages of higher endurance and durability in roads and infrastructure projects. Most of the developed countries have established empirical evidence about these advantages through numerous studies as well as onsite trials.
The scheme, launched by Union Textiles Minister Santosh Gangwar, aims to demonstrate use of geotechnical textiles as a modern cost-effective technology in the development of infrastructure in fragile geological conditions of North East Region (NER). It also seeks to improve the durability, function and life of infrastructure in NER, while bringing down the life cycle cost of the projects.
Besides, the scheme will promote the use of geotechnical textile materials and create a market for these products in NER by inducing demand in infrastructure development and to stimulate investment and development of technical textile industry in NER and rest of the country.
In addition, the scheme intends to also develop a set of standards and specifications for the products as well as projects using these materials. The scheme will also develop literature/manuals for inspection and testing and other aspects of construction using these materials.
The Minister said that the scheme is being launched, recognizing the relevance and potential of the application of Geotechnical Textiles in the North Eastern Region.
The scheme for promotion of Geotechnical Textiles in the North East has been approved for five years -- from 2014-15 to 2018-19 -- with a financial outlay of Rs 427 crore.
The scheme has been formulated with active involvement of key stakeholders and North Eastern State governments, including Government of Manipur. The State Level Coordination Committee (SLCC) of Government of Manipur has also approved two projects for road construction and four projects for water reservoirs.
Technical Textiles sector is one of the fastest growing segments of the Indian economy. It has registered a compounded annual rate of growth of 11 per cent during 2007-2012.
As per the estimates for 2012-2017 by the sub-group on technical textiles, its market size is expected to grow at CAGR of 20 per cent and reach USD 26 Billion by 2016-17 from the market size of USd 11.6 Billion in 2012-13.
The topography of the North East makes application of geotechnical textiles particularly suitable for the region in infrastructure projects relating to road construction, river bank erosion control and slope erosion control.
