About Technology: Development Alternatives has a whole range of Appropriate Technologies in various fields. Most of these can be good enterprises and business. Micro Concrete Roofing Technology is one of them. Development Alternatives has installed more than 270 micro enterprises all over India, providing strong reliable roofs for the users and sustainable livelihoods for the entrepreneurs.

A decent roof over one’s head is every human being’s dream. Thatch and locally baked clay tiles are the most common roofing options but the quality of these roofs are very poor. Factory made burnt clay tiles or Mangalore tiles are most accepted roofing materials for housing; but these tiles have become very expensive recently due to fuel, labour, raw materials, and transportation problems. The technology is very energy intensive and uses valuable top soil. Cement corrugated sheet, GI. Sheet, PBC, FRP sheet etc are not suitable for housing.

About leading urban enterprise: Vishwakarma Industries is a private enterprise, working in urban area of Panchkula under brand name "Duracrete". Recently Vishwakarma Industries got a tender from Punjab Govt. for construction of Guru Nanak stadium roof at Kapurthala. The total cost of project was approx. 5.75 lakhs, and roof area was 5000 sqft. The construction of stadium roof was completed under the technical guidance of Development Alternatives. The total project was completed within 45 days. Dr. Upinderjit Kour ji (Hon’ble Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Pb) awarded Vishwakarma Industries and DA for launching the cost effective, alternative technology at Kapurthala in Punjab on 26th January, 2001.

We appeal to you to join us in propagating this appropriate technology, validated by BMTPC, which goes to solving the roofing problems in housing project, and also help in reducing unemployment. q