Why in the News?
India has become the first country in the world to commercially produce bio bitumen, according to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari. The announcement highlights India’s push towards sustainable infrastructure and green alternatives in road construction.
Bio Bitumen
Bio bitumen is an eco friendly binding material used in road construction. It is produced from renewable biological sources instead of petroleum based crude derivatives.
Raw materials used
- Vegetable oils
• Crop stubble and agricultural residue
• Other forms of organic and agro waste
Economic significance
- With 15 percent blending, India can save nearly ₹4,500 crore in foreign exchange
• Lowers import bill for petroleum based bitumen
• Opens new income streams for farmers through agro waste supply
• Generates rural employment and livelihood opportunities
Prelims Pointers
- India is the first nation to commercially produce bio bitumen
• Bio bitumen is made from renewable biological sources
• Used in road construction as a binding material
• Helps reduce stubble burning and crude oil imports
• Contributes to circular economy and sustainable development
| [2011] In the Union Budget 2011-12, a full exemption from the basic customs duty was extended to the bio-based asphalt (bioasphalt). What is the importance of this material?Â
1. Unlike traditional asphalt, bio-asphalt is not based on fossil fuels 2. Bioasphalt can be made from non-renewable resources 3. Bioasphalt can be made from organic waste materials 4. It is eco-friendly to use bioasphalt for surfacing of the roads Select the correct answer using the code given below:Â (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
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