Current Context : Government will allow 35% bio-bitumen mixing in petroleum-based bitumen, a large part of which is imported from other countries to save ₹10,000 crore of foreign exchange outflows.

 ABOUT BITUMEN :

• Bitumen is a black substance produced through the distillation of crude oil and is widely used for making roads and roofs.
• It is commonly known as asphalt when used in road construction.
• Obtained through mining or surface mining techniques.
• It is known for its adhesive properties.
• Applications: Paving roads, water proofing etc.

ABOUT BIO-BITUMEN :

• It is a form of bitumen produced from renewable biological materials such as plant oils, algae, or biomass. It includes agricultural residues, forestry residues, algae, or other organic materials.
• It can be used as an addition to bitumen or to reduce the quantity of bitumen in the binder mixture.

Benefits: Reduced imports, address the issue of stubble burning, boosting Bio-economy etc.