Rubberise Roads

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

This refers to the news item Government seeks pvt, foreign funds for projects (April 17). In the international seminar on road development, organised by the Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry in India (Assocham), its president pointed out that the highways were not still upto global standards. While commercial vehicles in developed nations could cover 500-600 km, in our country they could cover an average distance of only 200- 250 km per day due to poor quality of roads. So, while planning for increasing the road network and upgrading existing roads, it is necessary to ensure good quality.

In this context, government should consider rubberised roads which may be best suited and economical in the long run. At the same time, it would help the surplus rubber produced in the country to be absorbed. Already there is a fall in rubber prices due to lack of demand and surplus production. The new exim policy has added insult to injury for rubber growing farmers. There is a strong protest going on in Kerala in this regard. The growers grievances need to be looked into and redressed. Projects like rubberised roads should be planned and implemented so that the surplus rubber is absorbed and the farmer gets a fair price.