Cement industry is an infrastructural industry, Cement is used for construction of buildings, bridges, roads and concrete sleepers. Rajasthan stands second in the country in cement production after Andhra Pradesh. The first cement factory in Rajasthan was set up in Lakheri (Bundi) in 1915 by ACC. At present, there are 19 large-scale cement factories, 4 medium sized and 104 small sized cement factories in Rajasthan.
Factors Responsible for Localisation: Cement industry needs a lot of raw material, therefore cement industry is established in such areas where raw – materials (limestone and gypsum) are available in abundant quantity. There are reserves of 2.5 billion tons of limestone in Rajasthan. According to this viewpoint, Chittorgarh and Sawai Madhopur are most suitable districts for the localization of cement industry.
Important producing regions: Following are major producing regions in Rajasthan. The factories of white cement are situated in Gotan (Nagaur) and Kharia Khangar (Jodhpur). The number of cement factories is regularly increasing in western districts of the state in the last several years. Main reasons for this are availability of enough water through canals and sufficient power supply through alternative sources. At present times, establishment of small – scale units is given priority due to less power requirement and less production cost.
Problems of Cement Industry:
Chief problems of cement industry are:
1. Old technique used in production.
2. Shortage in coal supply.
3. Irregular and insufficient supply of electricity.
4. Lack of means of transportation.
5. Insufficient demand.
6. Shortage of capital.
Solution for development of industry: The geological conditions in Rajasthan are very favorable to this industry. By using modern technology and by solving related problems, cement industry can be motivated and cement production can be increased at minimum cost.
