Innovation in Granite Industry: Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Business innovation is possible through waste management. The main objective of waste management system is to maximise economic benefits and, at the same time, to protect environment. Granite processing industry generates a large quantities of wastes mainly in the form of stone powder during sawing and polishing processes, which pollute and damage the environment. The present study focuses on granite waste recycling and depends on participant observation method. It aims to characterise and evaluate the possibilities of using the granite wastes generated by the processing enterprises and quarries in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, as alternative raw materials in the production of bricks, chips, road metals, seating sheets, base stones, close to wells, landscaping pavers, split stone veneer tiles, mosaics, backsplashes, paper weights, table tops, pen and land phone stands, and a wide variety of hand-crafted products. If the available granite waste is re-used by producing the above items through advanced technology machines, it would provide employment, increase gross domestic product, increase foreign currency, reduce environmental problems, reduce poverty, etc. Hence the government should encourage prospective entrepreneurs who want to establish granite waste recycling enterprises not only in Chittoor district but anywhere in India.