Use industrial Waste in Road Construction: Odisha CM

Bhubaneswar, Jan 19 (IANS) Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Monday urged experts to think about utilizing industrial wastes such as fly ash, slag and plastic waste in road construction.

"Fly ash to the tune of 25.307 million tonnes and 0.828 million tonnes of slag are being produced in Odisha every year. The disposal of these materials is a real troublesome task for the producers and a menace for the state. I propose that sufficient thought should be given to utilise the industrial wastes," the chief minister said while addressing the Platinum Jubilee session of Indian Roads Congress here.

He said the government is spending about 25 percent of its budget on road construction in the state.

"I understand that road infrastructure will pave the way for other infrastructure. I have given thought to connect all the backward districts with industrial areas. Recently, we have tendered for Biju Expressway, which would connect the industrial city of Rourkela with Raipur in Chhattisgarh," Patnaik said.

The Vizaywada-Ranchi corridor, which has been substantially completed, connects 12 tribal districts.

He said the government has launched the State Highways Development Programme to improve all state highways.

It has also launched the Mukhya Mantri Sadak Yojana this year, that would take care of the roads not developed under any other scheme.

The chief minister said engineers have been asked to adopt the quickest method of bridge construction for rural connectivity.

The government has set a target of completing 114 roads this year.

Chief Secretary G.C. Pati said the government has taken steps for inter-state connectivity to boost trade and commerce with neighbouring states.

He emphasised on the quick execution of road construction in extremist affected areas of the state to connect the people with the administration.