The Ministry of Textiles has launched a scheme to promote usage of geotechnical textiles in the North Eastern Region (NER) of India.

 

The Scheme for Promotion of Geotechnical Textiles in the North East has been approved for five years—from 2014-15 to 2018-19—with a financial outlay of Rs 427 crore. The scheme has been formulated with active involvement of key stakeholders and North Eastern state governments, including the Manipur government.

 

The ultimate objective of the scheme is to introduce modern cost-effective technology pertaining to the application and usage of geotechnical textiles in the development of infrastructure of NER, which is likely to boost the region’s economy.

 

The basic objectives of the scheme are: to demonstrate use of geotechnical textiles as a  modern cost-effective technology in the development of infrastructure in fragile geological conditions of NER; to improve the durability, function and life of infrastructure in NER, while bringing down the life cycle cost of the projects; to promote the use of geotechnical textile materials and create a market for these products in NER by inducing demand in infrastructure development; and to stimulate investment and development of technical textile industry in NER and rest of the country.

 

In addition, the scheme intends to also develop a set of standards and specifications for the products as well as projects using geotechnical textile materials. The scheme will also develop literature/manuals for inspection and testing and other aspects of construction using these materials.

 

Launching the scheme in Imphal, textiles minister Santosh Kumar Gangwar said it is being launched, recognising the relevance and potential of the application of geotechnical textiles in the NER.

 

Gangwar expressed his Ministry’s commitment in pursuing the development of all segments of textiles industry in North East, by giving particular thrust to improving earnings of primary producers and workers.

 

He said the Ministry is working in a committed manner to enable the workers of the Indian textiles sector to get due value for their rich cultural products. He assured that all necessary cooperation will be extended to all stakeholders for strengthening the textiles sector in the country.

 

Textiles secretary SK Panda said the textiles sector has huge potential for generating income and employment. He highlighted how usage of geotechnical textiles can enable construction of roads which last long and require little maintenance.

 

The topography of NER makes application of geotechnical textiles particularly suitable for the region in infrastructure projects relating to road construction, river bank erosion control and slope erosion control. (RKS)