INDIA LOSES MORE THAN USD 40 BILLION A YEAR – ABOUT 4 PERCENT OF THE SIZE OF THE TOTAL ECONOMY – DUE TO CORROSION IN INFRASTRUCTURE AND INDUSTRY SEGMENTS-EXPERTS
SETTING UP OF SEPRATE MINISTRY TO TACKLE PROBLEM OF CORROSION IN INDIA ON LINES OF US STRESSED.
Global experts attending the International Corrosion Awareness Day late last evening jointly organised by FICCI and NACE International Gateway India Section (NIGIS) of NACE International stressed on the need of setting up a separate Ministry/Department to tackle the growing menace of Corrosion in the country.
India loses more than USD 40 billion a year – about 4 percent of the size of the total economy – due to corrosion in infrastructure and industry segments. Better corrosion control is needed at war footing to save expensive infrastructure especially in the coastal areas” said Dr A.J.V.Prasad, Joint Secretary, Chemicals, Department of C&PC, Government of India speaking on the occasion.
“Corrosion (a naturally occurring phenomenon) can cause damage to everything from automobiles, drinking water systems to pipelines, bridges, factories and public buildings etc. It is estimated to impact over 3% of GDP and is a menace adversely impacting various industry sectors including utilities, transportation, oil and gas, steel and infrastructure etc. and needs to be tackled in a scientific manner” said Dr Elaine Bowman, Past President, NACE International, global body fighting Corrosion.
“Realizing the problem of Corrosion in various sectors including defense the US government has set up a separate department U.S. Department of Defense Office of Corrosion Policy & Oversight (CPO) . India also needs a separate department on similar lines” said Dr Bowman.
“Better corrosion control is needed through use of proper corrosion free materials. Stainless steel comes first in mind. The demand for corrosion free material is on increase in high-end industries including Oil & Gas, Energy and Shipping, railways and ports. There is a need to find ways and means to save leakages on maintenance costs due to corrosion and offer right solutions to enhance the life of products, plant, machinery and civil structures by using suitable grades of stainless steel” said Yatinder Pal Suri, India head, Outokumpu, the Finnish Stainless Steel company .
“Stainless steel is the fastest growing segment of the metals industry,its applications are diverse and new applications are being constantly being developed. It has become major part in all of our lives, and has truly changed the world. In India demand for stainless steel is on constant increase due to awareness about the product and availability of right grades and sizes. The demand for the corrosion free metal is on increase in high end industries including Oil & Gas, Energy and shipping-related industries, railways, ports, infrastructure and automotive where corrosion is a serious issue.”said Mr Suri.
