In the Union Budget 2011-12, a full exemption from the basic customs duty was extended to the bio-based asphalt (bioasphalt). What is the importance of this material ? 1. Unlike traditional asphalt, bioasphalt is not based on fossil fuels. 2. Bioasphalt can be made from nonrenewable resources. 3. Bioasphalt can be made from organic waste materials. 4. It is eco-friendly to use bioasphalt for surfacting of the roads. Which of the statements given above are correct ?

Bioasphalt is a sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based asphalt, which is derived from non-renewable fossil fuels. Unlike conventional bitumen, bioasphalt is produced from renewable biological sources, including agricultural residues, forestry biomass, and organic waste materials such as saw dust, waste wood, and even swine waste [2]. Statement 2 is incorrect because bioasphalt is specifically valued for being derived from renewable resources rather than non-renewable ones. The use of bioasphalt for road surfacing is considered eco-friendly as it reduces the carbon footprint of construction, utilizes waste products that do not compete with food or fodder, and decreases dependency on finite petroleum resources. Consequently, statements 1, 3, and 4 are correct, making option 2 the right choice.

Sources

1. [2] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 23: India and Climate Change > Bio Energy > p. 307