Context: Recently, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) has approved the use of Coir Geo Textiles for Rural Road Construction.
Key Points

• Coir Geo textiles, a permeable fabric, natural, strong, highly durable, resistant to rots, moulds and moisture, free from any microbial attack, has finally been accepted as a good material for rural road construction.
• Coir Geo textiles will be used for construction of rural roads under the PMGSY-III.
• Coir is a 100% natural fiber, obtained from a renewable source – the coconut husk.
• Coir Geo Textile is naturally resistant to rot, molds and moisture, and free from any microbial attack hence it needs no chemical treatment.
• It has a permeable, natural and strong fabric with high durability.
• It protects the land surface and promotes quick vegetation.
• It is totally biodegradable, and helps in soil stabilisation.
• It can dissipate the energy of flowing water and absorb the excess solar radiation.

Significance

• The decision opens up a huge market potential for Coir Geo-textiles in the Country and will be a boon to the Covid-19 hit Coir Industry.
• Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)
• As per the PMGSY new technology guidelines for road construction, 15% length in each batch of proposals, is to be constructed using new technologies.
• Out of this 5% roads are to be constructed using Indian Road Congress(IRC) accredited technology. The IRC has now accredited coir Geo textiles for construction of rural roads.
• As per these instructions, 5% length of the rural roads under PMGSY-III will be constructed using Coir Geo textiles.
• Accordingly 164 Kms of road will be constructed using coir geo textiles in Andhra Pradesh, 151 kms in Gujarat, 71 kms in Kerala , 328 kms in Maharashtra,470 kms in Odisha, 369 kms TN and 121 kms in Telengana.
• Thus 1674 km road will be constructed using Coir Geo textiles in 07 states for which there will be a requirement of One Crore Sq. mtrs of coir Geo-textiles, estimated cost of which would come to Rs.70 Crore.

About Geo Textiles

• These are synthetic including polyester and polypropylene or man-made materials that have varying degrees of permeability.
• Permeability means their surfaces have very small openings that allow liquid or gases to pass through.
• It has the ability to separate, filter, reinforce, protect and drain when used in association with soils.
• It drains areas where water pools while keeping soil in place.
• It serves as effective filters, catching some materials to prevent drains from clogging.
• It reinforces earthen structures like drains by holding layers in place.
• It protects against erosion in places like roads and beaches.
• These functions make Geo Textile fabrics useful in many industries, especially construction and civil engineering.

About Indian Road Congress

• It is the apex body of Highway Engineers in the country.
• It was set up in December, 1934 on the recommendations of the Indian Road Development Committee also known as Jayakar Committee (under the Chairmanship of Shri M.R. Jayakar) with the objective of road development in India.
• It works in close collaboration with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
• It is committed to utilise global best practices and promote the use of cutting edge technologies for construction for the maintenance of roads, bridges and road transportation.
• It promotes environmental strategy for promotion of cleaner, less energy intensive and less polluting construction techniques and use of recycled wastes.