NIRD Develops Eco-Friendly Tiles 

The National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD & PR) has developed an innovative range of tiles which can help in promoting low-cost and environmental-friendly buildings.

'Compressed Stabilised Earth Tiles' have been developed as part of efforts to promote sustainable eco- friendly housing technologies, said a senior official of the city-based institute.

The National Rural Building at the Rural Technology Park (RTP) in NIRD & PR has developed the innovative range of tiles which can help in promoting low-cost and environmental- friendly buildings, RTP's Head and Associate Professor Ramesh Sakthivel said.

"The process will help in making mud blocks, roof tiles, floor tiles and paver blocks using locally available soil along with small quantities of cement and employing simple hand operated compression machines right at the door step of people at low cost," he explained.

"Initial trials have shown very promising results in developing roof tiles which can be used as filler material for concrete roof slabs, floor tiles and paver blocks for outdoor pathways," the official said.