The Asbestos Cement Products Manufacturers Association (ACPMA) will invest Rs 250 crore over the

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next two years in expansion of its manufacturing capacity by 6 lakh metric tonnes, even with anti-asbestos bodies strongly revolting the use of asbestos sheets in India. Asbestos cement is used in manufacturing low cost sheets, which are used by the lesser-privileged people or people in the lower income group for sheltering their houses. “We will invest Rs 250 crore in the next two financial years ending March 2011,” AK Sethi, executive director of ACPMA, said. The asbestos cement industry is growing at a rate of 10 to 12 per cent, with an annual production capacity between 40 to 42 lakh metric tonnes. The industry generates Rs 4,000 crore worth revenues annually — with major cement industry players such as Hyderabad Industries, Everest Industries, Ramco Industries and Visaka Industries. “Almost 50 per cent of the country’s population is living under thatched roofs, which is a major factor that can drive growth for the asbestos sheets industry,” said Abhaya Shankar, managing director of Hyderabad Industries, which has a 20 per cent market share in the asbestos cement segment. “Asbestos is used for producing 30 products in India,” he added. Asbestos is imported to India from Brazil, Canada, Russia and Kazakhstan. The cost of importing 1 kg of asbestos is around Rs 30, including an import duty levy of 15 per cent. Asbestos sheets are available around Rs 130-140 per running metre. NGOs and lobbies, such as Ban Asbestos among others, are targeting India in a big way, as it is believed to cause health hazards such as cancer, Shankar said. “Blue asbestos is used in western countries, which is susceptible to diseases. While white asbestos, which is used by us, satisfies all safety and health norms,” he added. Dust particles that come out of asbestos sheets are hazardous for health if they are inhaled.

[The correspondent’s visit was hosted by ACPMA]