Ambuja Cements to set up grinding plant in 8 hectares at Gangavaram Port

Visakhapatnam: Ambuja Cements Limited, part of the Adani Portfolio, has declared that it is all set to establish a state-of-the-art cement grinding unit within the industrial estate of Adani Gangavaram Port.

This strategic development forms a cornerstone of the Adani Group’s port-based industrial ecosystem, designed to promote sustainable infrastructure while minimising environmental impact. the company stated.

The statement assumes significance in the backdrop of criticism by several civil society organisations, Visakhapatnam Apartment Residents' Welfare Association (VARWA), Human Rights Forum (HRF) and noted social activist and former IAS officer EAS Sarma who expressed serious concern over health and environmental risks due to location of a cement plant in the residential area of Peda Gantyada.

The company said spanning eight hectares, the facility will be developed without the need for new land acquisition, as it is located within the port’s designated industrial zone. "This reflects the group’s commitment to responsible land use and integrated logistics planning.The grinding unit is engineered with a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship," the company claimed.

The statement said the project will utilise industrial by-products such as slag and fly ash from nearby steel and power plants, supporting circular economy principles. Key raw materials such as clinker and gypsum will be transported via rail and sea, the most sustainable modes of freight movement, significantly reducing carbon emissions. Categorised as an orange category project due to its low environmental footprint, the plant will operate without fuel combustion or chemical processing.

It will feature advanced dust control systems, including high-efficiency baghouses, bag filters and mechanised road sweepers, ensuring a dust-free and clean operational environment.

"Water conservation is another cornerstone of the project. The unit is designed for minimal water usage and will operate with zero liquid discharge, preserving local water resources and maintaining ecological balance," the company stated.

Furthermore, sustainable port-led industrialisation will support development initiatives in surrounding villages, reinforcing the company’s commitment to inclusive and responsible growth. For Pedagantyada and neighbouring villages, such projects are more than industrial ventures; they are livelihood lifelines.

The development mirrors successful port-led industrial clusters across the world and reinforces Gangavaram’s role as a logistics hub. This initiative aligns with Andhra Pradesh’s infrastructure ambitions and Ambuja’s national growth strategy, having crossed the 100 MTPA capacity milestone in FY25, the company declared.

With SBTi-validated net-zero targets and a CDP Leadership score of A–, Ambuja continues to demonstrate that industrial growth and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand, the company said.