Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri emphasised the crucial role of infrastructure in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, stating that the country is poised to become the third-largest construction market globally by next year.
Highlighting the significance of the construction industry for India’s economy, the Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs noted its rapid growth trajectory within the country.
Speaking at the National Workshop on ‘Recent Development with recycling and use of construction and demolition waste in the construction sector,’ Puri highlighted the substantial increase in solid waste processing in India from 17% in 2014 to over 77% in 2024.
Waste management
Puri mentioned the government’s focus on various waste management areas, including construction and demolition waste, plastic waste, e-waste, and bio-hazardous waste, with comprehensive guidelines released to address these issues.
The minister, who also oversees the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry, shared that the National Capital Region (NCR) alone generates 6,303 tonnes per day of construction and demolition waste, with a significant portion being processed daily.
Infra growth
He underscored the rapid pace at which the government is constructing infrastructure, citing the substantial urbanisation demands in India, which necessitate adding 700 to 900 million square meters of commercial and residential space annually by 2030.
The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry highlighted that the workshop, conducted in collaboration with SINTEF Norway, aims to promote the use of recycled construction and demolition items in the industry. Experts in this field are participating in the workshop to share their insights and advocate for the benefits of utilizing these products for sustainable development.