India’s construction industry poised to be world’s 3rd largest by 2025: Puri

India’s construction industry is expected to become the third-largest globally by 2025, according to Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri. Speaking at the National Workshop on Recent Development with Recycling and Use of Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste in construction sector, the minister highlighted the industry’s significance as the second-largest employer in the country and its impact on 250 sectors of the economy. He emphasized the need to add 700-900 million sq. metres of commercial and residential space annually by 2030 to meet urbanization demands.

The workshop, organized by CPWD in collaboration with SINTEF Norway, provided a platform for participants to discuss the use of C&D recycling materials in sustainable development. Addressing the environmental impact of construction waste, Minister Puri stressed the importance of finding more efficient solutions for managing the estimated 150-500 million tonnes of C&D waste generated in India annually.

The minister also highlighted the government’s efforts towards sustainable waste management, including the increase in solid waste processing from 17% in 2014 to over 77% in 2024. He emphasized the release of comprehensive guidelines for effective disposal of C&D waste and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ initiatives to collect data on C&D waste generation and promote institutional mechanisms for waste collection.

In conclusion, Minister Puri urged stakeholders to collaborate in devising better strategies for the effective utilization of C&D waste, emphasizing the need for sustainable waste management as India continues its rapid urbanization.

The event was attended by dignitaries including Norwegian Ambassador to India May-Elin Stener, Secretary of Housing and Urban Affairs Manoj Joshi, and DG of CPWD Rajesh Kumar Kaushal, reflecting the significance of the workshop in addressing crucial challenges in the construction sector.

Overall, the workshop provided a platform for experts to exchange views and appraise the advantages of using C&D recycling materials in sustainable development, highlighting the importance of addressing the environmental and logistical challenges associated with construction waste in India’s fast-growing construction industry.