Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Member (Science) Niti Aayog, released Guidelines for Utilization and Processing of Steel Slag as Processed Steel Slag Aggregates in Road Construction during the First International Conference on Steel Slag Road. The event was jointly organized by CSIR-CRRI and PHDCCI in New Delhi.
Importance of Steel Slag Utilization
Dr. Saraswat emphasized sustainable development and efficient utilization of steel slag from industrial waste in infrastructure projects, highlighting benefits like cost savings, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced road performance.
Recognition and Contributions
Dr. Saraswat acknowledged CSIR-CRRI’s Steel Slag Road Technology for aligning with the vision of “Waste to Wealth” advocated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He commended Dr. Manoranjan Parida and Shri Satish Pandey for their contributions to implementing this technology nationwide.
Government Perspectives and Initiatives
Government Support: Shri Nagendra Nath Sinha, IAS, Secretary to Govt. of India, Ministry of Steel, underscored the importance of utilizing steel slag as a valuable resource rather than discarding it. The Ministry of Steel sponsored a significant R&D project at CSIR-CRRI to promote large-scale use of steel slag as a substitute for natural aggregates in road construction.
Environmental Benefits: Highlighting the environmental benefits, Shri Sinha pointed out that using processed steel slag aggregates in road construction helps preserve the ecosystem by reducing the need for unsustainable quarrying and mining of natural aggregates.
Global and National Impact
Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, DSIR and DG, CSIR, cited the Mumbai-Goa NH 66 Steel Slag Road as a landmark example of the Waste to Wealth mission’s success. She praised Niti Aayog and Dr. Saraswat for their consistent support and noted the global interest in CSIR’s Steel Slag Road Technology, exemplified by a request from the United States for technological support.
Industry Perspectives
Mr. Ranjan Dhar, Director and Vice President Sales and Marketing at Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel India, highlighted the transformative potential of steel slag in sustainable infrastructure development. He pointed out the successful construction of India’s First Steel Slag Road at Hazira Surat, a collaborative effort with CSIR-CRRI, which received national and international recognition for its technological innovation and environmental benefits.
Multiple Ministry Collaboration
Dr. Kalaiselvi emphasized that CSIR’s Steel Slag Road Technology not only benefits the Ministry of Steel but also contributes significantly to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, showcasing effective collaboration among key government ministries.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Who released the Guidelines for Utilization and Processing of Steel Slag in Road Construction?
- A) Dr. N. Kalaiselvi
- B) Dr. V.K. Saraswat
- C) Shri Nagendra Nath Sinha
- D) Mr. Ranjan Dhar
- Answer: B) Dr. V.K. Saraswat
- What is the primary benefit highlighted by Shri Nagendra Nath Sinha regarding the use of steel slag in road construction?
- A) Cost savings
- B) Reduced environmental impact
- C) Improved road performance
- D) All of the above
- Answer: D) All of the above
- Which ministry sponsored the R&D project at CSIR-CRRI for steel slag utilization?
- A) Ministry of Environment
- B) Ministry of Steel
- C) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
- D) Ministry of Science and Technology
- Answer: B) Ministry of Steel
- Who highlighted the Mumbai-Goa NH 66 Steel Slag Road as a significant achievement of the Waste to Wealth mission?
- A) Dr. N. Kalaiselvi
- B) Dr. V.K. Saraswat
- C) Shri Nagendra Nath Sinha
- D) Mr. Ranjan Dhar
- Answer: A) Dr. N. Kalaiselvi
- Which company collaborated with CSIR-CRRI to build India’s First Steel Slag Road at Hazira Surat?
- A) Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel India
- B) Jindal Steel and Power Limited
- C) Tata Steel
- D) Essar Steel
- Answer: A) Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel India