Describe the cement industry in India with special reference to the uses of element and its expansion.
The main facts about the cement industry in India are as given below : Uses : Cement is used for construction of buildings, factories, dams, airports, roads and other commercial complexes. Raw materials : Bulky and heavy raw materials like limestone, silica, alumina and gypsum are used in it. Besides this, it needs coal, electric power and rail transportation. Location of plants : First cement plant was set up in Chennai in 1904. However,decontrol of price and distribution and policy reforms since 1989 led to its expansion. There are 128 large plants and 332 mini-cement plants in the country. Some plants have been strategically located in Gujarat. These plants have suitable access to the market in the Gulf countries. Present position of the industry : Good quality of cement of India has great demand in Last Asia, Middle East, Africa and South Asia as well as in the country. At present the cement industry is doing well in terms of production as well as export. Efforts are being made togenerate adequate domestic demand and supply in order to sustain the industry.
