Mineral based industries play an important role in development of any area as it generates revenue for government and also provides employment to large population. Tribal region of south Rajasthan covering Banswara and Dungarpur districts is quite rich in terms of mineral wealth. Large number of mineral based industries are operating there, but they are mostly medium to small marble granite and soapstone processing units. The mineral treasury of this district also has resources that make a solid case for a large sized cement plant(s).

Cement is the core raw material for carrying forward infrastructure development and other big projects. Our country is the leading producer of cement in the world, second  only to China. While China produced 2,100 million metric tons in 2022, India was second best with 370 million metric tons (Source: Statista).  The pace of development in India needs the support  of such new units that can come up in areas like Southern Rajasthan, with Banswara and Dungarpur being the ideal locations. Rmajasthan stands third in terms of cement production in India, with Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh being the top two cement manufacturing states in India. Ambuja Cements, ACC, Binani, Birla Corporation, JK Lakshmi Cement,  Wonder Cement, etc are the major among the 17 cement plants in Rajasthan. NITI AYOG has projected growth of this industry at 10-15% per annum.

A few basic things about new cement units. These units are set up in areas, which have enough raw materials, low cost labour, ample water availability, cheap electricity, market in vicinity, and Banswara fulfills all these parameters, as explained below:

Reserves

Limestone is the essential raw material for cement manufacturing and Banswara has large reserves of limestone. The deposits are of 2 types, small and large, here large deposits are required. Small limestone deposits are found near Survania, Lalpura, Makanpura, Kalinjara and Umariya. 3 large deposits are near Khamera, Kela Mela, Prithvipura-Bhimkund. All these large deposits are located within a 35 km radius from the district headquarter. The Rajasthan State Mines and Minerals department has conducted mineral survey and drilling in these belts. The limestone reserve at Khamera is 300 million tones, Kela Mela more than 100 million tones, Prithvipura-150 million tones.

Such figures are enough to set up a cement unit as it requires more than 100 million tones mineable reserves per plant. Of course it is not out of question to mention that Khamera, Kela Mela belts are lying in forest, while Prithvipura is outside reserve forest. In Prithvipura some Indian cement companies have shown interest but no progress is seen with reference to cement plant. Banswara is known for it hydroelectric Mahi Dam project, which can provide water as well as power to any industry.

Labour

The  Banswara district is a dominating tribal belt, with nearly 70% population being tribal. People from this region have relocated toe Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh in search of employment opportunities. Industrialisation in Banswara will get them good jobs in their home state and home district and they will get to work and stay alongside their families and invest here itself, thereby building better infra and development of the district.

Connectivity

Banswara shares its border with Gujarat and MP; Dahod is 100kms away and Ratlam is 80 kms away. The district is connected to all parts of Rajasthan with very good roads. So market is also in vicinity. The lack of rail connection could be a drawback but major inroads and development projects will ensure rail connectivity as well. Survey for Dungarpur-Banswara-Ratlam has been conducted many times, all basic data are ready,  with strong political will this project could be completed within 3-4 years.

For 2-3 million tones capacity major cement plant in any area brings an initial investment of Rs 600-700 crores. When such a huge plant becomes operational, auxiliary industries also come up like transportation services, automobile, mechanical part units, etc. The above facts strongly support  for a cement plant in Banswara. The lack of rail connectivity is being addressed and is compensated by other useful factors. The state goverment and local parties should give a serious thought to the points mentioned above. State government is also planning Invest Rajasthan on a big scale, this subject matter can be include in its agenda.