Overview
The CSIR‑Central Road Research Institute (CSIR‑CRRI) has entered into a collaborative research agreement with the IIF and private firm Suyog Elements. The MoU, signed in the presence of the Secretary of the DSIR and CSIR Director‑General Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, aims to develop and scale processes for incorporating WFS from the Coimbatore foundry cluster into road infrastructure.
Key Developments
- Signing of a MoU among CSIR‑CRRI, IIF and Suyog Elements.
- Creation of a structured R&D programme to characterise different types of foundry sand (green sand, resin‑bonded sand) and devise processing protocols for road use.
- Goal to replicate the successful Steel Slag Road technology model for waste‑to‑wealth conversion.
- Commitment to provide technical validation (CSIR‑CRRI), industry outreach (IIF) and implementation scaling (Suyong Elements).
Important Facts
- The Coimbatore cluster houses 800‑1000 foundry units, making it India’s largest source of foundry waste.
- WFS disposal poses significant environmental challenges due to its volume and non‑biodegradable nature.
- Utilising WFS can reduce dependence on natural aggregates, conserving river sand and gravel resources.
- The project supports the Government’s