Bio-bitumen is an innovative and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional bitumen, derived from biomass sources such as paddy straw (known as parali). This sustainable material is primarily utilized in road construction and can be blended with conventional petroleum-based bitumen.
The Indian government has approved the integration of up to 35% bio-bitumen with petroleum-based bitumen for road construction projects. This mix enhances the sustainability of infrastructure development.
Utilizing bio-bitumen can significantly lessen India’s reliance on imported bitumen, potentially saving the country up to Rs 10,000 crore in foreign exchange. Moreover, bio-bitumen is generally more cost-effective, priced at Rs 40 per kg compared to Rs 50 per kg for traditional petroleum-based bitumen.
Bio-bitumen addresses severe air pollution issues stemming from stubble burning by repurposing paddy straw, which is often discarded through burning by farmers. This practice not only diminishes air pollution but also offers a sustainable solution for agricultural waste management.
Indian Oil Corporation has initiated a project in Panipat, producing an impressive one lakh litres of ethanol and 150 tonnes of bio-bitumen daily from rice straw. This facility exemplifies the practical application of agricultural waste in creating valuable materials.
The production of bio-bitumen utilizes agricultural waste, significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions and pollution associated with stubble burning. Additionally, it provides farmers with a new revenue stream, allowing them to sell paddy straw rather than incinerate it.
Yes, several projects and trials are underway involving bio-bitumen. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has sanctioned research projects aimed at evaluating bio-bitumen's performance. Trials are currently being conducted on national highways, including the Shamli-Muzaffarnagar section of NH-709AD and the Jorabat-Shillong section of NH-40, to assess the durability of roads constructed with bio-bitumen.
Q1. What is bio-bitumen made from?
Answer: Bio-bitumen is made from biomass, particularly agricultural residues like paddy straw, making it an eco-friendly alternative to traditional bitumen.
Q2. How does bio-bitumen reduce costs?
Answer: Bio-bitumen is cheaper than petroleum-based bitumen, costing Rs 40 per kg compared to Rs 50 per kg, thus providing significant economic savings.
Q3. What are the environmental impacts of bio-bitumen?
Answer: Bio-bitumen helps reduce air pollution from stubble burning and lowers greenhouse gas emissions by repurposing agricultural waste into usable material.
Q4. Where is bio-bitumen being produced in India?
Answer: Indian Oil Corporation's plant in Panipat is a key facility producing bio-bitumen and ethanol from rice straw, contributing to sustainable construction practices.
Q5. Are there ongoing trials for bio-bitumen in road construction?
Answer: Yes, trials are currently being conducted on national highways to assess the performance and durability of bio-bitumen in roadway applications.
Question 1: What is the maximum percentage of bio-bitumen allowed in road construction?
A) 25%
B) 30%
C) 35%
D) 40%
Correct Answer: C
Question 2: Which agricultural waste is primarily used for producing bio-bitumen?
A) Wheat Straw
B) Paddy Straw
C) Sugarcane Bagasse
D) Corn Stalk
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What is one economic benefit of using bio-bitumen in India?
A) Increased import costs
B) Higher production costs
C) Savings in foreign exchange
D) Increased pollution
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: Where is the bio-bitumen production facility located in India?
A) Delhi
B) Mumbai
C) Panipat
D) Bengaluru
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: What is the cost of bio-bitumen per kg compared to traditional bitumen?
A) Rs 30
B) Rs 40
C) Rs 50
D) Rs 60
Correct Answer: B
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