The National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (NRIDA) has recently asserted the usage of coir geo textiles in constructing rural roads, under the scheme Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-III). This move is expected to invigorate the Coir industry which suffered during the Covid-19 pandemic. NRIDA operates under the Ministry of Rural Development.
Geo Textiles: An Overview
Geo textiles are synthetic or man-made materials including polyester and polypropylene which possesses different levels of permeability. The permeable surface of these materials consists of small openings that allow the pass-through of liquids or gases.
Geo textile fabrics showcase characteristics like the capability to separate, filter, reinforce, protect, and drain when associated with soils. They can efficiently drain areas where water tends to pool while ensuring soil retention in place. Furthermore, they serve as effective filters by catching materials that inhibit clogging of drains. By holding the layers in place, they provide reinforcement to earthen structures like drains. Geo textiles also safeguard against erosion in areas such as roads and beaches. These attributes make them an ideal choice for various industries, primarily in construction and civil engineering.
Key Points about Coir Geo Textile
Coir is a sustainable, all-natural fiber acquired from the husk of coconuts. Coir geo textiles exhibit natural resistance to rot, molds, moisture, and are immune to microbial attacks, eliminating the requirement of any chemical treatment. Coir Geo Textile is a permeable, robust fabric with high durability, and is 100% biodegradable.
Moreover, it assists in soil stabilization, energy dissipation of flowing water, and absorption of excess solar radiation. It safeguards land surfaces and fosters rapid vegetation.
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) New Technology Guidelines
The new guidelines under PMGSY encourage the use of locally available materials and green technologies for road construction. State governments are required to suggest a minimum of 15% of total length of annual road proposals under new technologies. Out of this, 5% roads will be constructed using Indian Road Congress (IRC) accredited technology.
The IRC has also accredited the usage of coir geo textiles for rural road construction. This implies that 5% of rural roads under PMGSY-III will be constructed using coir geo textiles. The states where coir will be used include Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamilnadu, and Telangana. This construction will require one crore sq. meters of coir geo textiles, estimated to cost about Rs. 70 Crore.
About Indian Road Congress (IRC)
The Indian Roads Congress is the country’s apex body of Highway Engineers, founded in December 1934, based on the recommendations of the Indian Road Development Committee (Jayakar Committee). It functions in close collaboration with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. IRC is committed to utilising global best practices and advocating the use of advanced technologies for construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, and road transport.
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana – Phase III
The third phase of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana was initiated in 2019. This scheme aims to provide connectivity to disconnected habitation as part of poverty alleviation strategy. The scheme is implemented by the National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency across different states, with the Ministry of Rural Development and state governments being responsible for its implementation.
Under the PMGSY-III Scheme, it is proposed to consolidate 1,25,000 Km of road length in the States. This includes consolidation of routes and major rural links that connect habitations to Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), Higher Secondary Schools, and Hospitals. The tenure of the third phase is 2019-20 to 2024-25. The funds are shared in the ratio of 60:40 between the Centre and State for all States except for 8 North Eastern states, Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand where the ratio stands at 90:10.
