New cement plant to be commissioned by middle of next year

SRINAGAR: A new cement plant with a capacity of 600 tons per day would be commissioned in the valley by the middle of next next year, state Minister for Industries Romesh Chander Sharma said today.

"The project, started in April last year at Khrew in Pulwama district at a cost of Rs 87.50 crore, is scheduled to be completed in June 2008. It will produce 600 tons of cement per day," Sharma said after a visit to the project site today.

70,940 metric tons cement was produced last year while 78,980 metric tons has been registered up to September this year in the state.

The Minister directed the officials to redouble their efforts so that the project could be completed as per schedule. He also asked them to engage locals on priority basis in the plan