Explain different phases of development of petrochemical industry in India.

Explanation

Many items are derived from crude petroleum, which provide raw materials for many new industries, these are collectively known as petrochemical industries. This group of industries is divided into four sub-groups:
(i) Polymers
(ii) Synthetic fibres
(iii) Elastomers
(iv) Surfactant intermediate
Three organisations are working in the petrochemical sector under the administrative control of the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals.
(i) Indian Petrochemical Corporation Limited (IPCL) is a public sector undertaking. It is responsible for the manufacture and distribution of various petrochemicals like polymers, chemicals, fibres and fibre intermediates.
(ii) Petrofils Cooperative Limited (PCL) is a joint venture of the Government of India and Weaver.s Cooperative Societies.
(iii) Central Institute of Plastic Engineering and Technology (CIPET), involved in imparting training in petrochemical industry.
Polymers are made from ethylene and propylene. These materials are obtained in the process of refining crude oil. Polymers are used as raw materials in the plastic industry. The National Organic Chemicals Industries Limited (NOCIL), established in private sector in 1961, started the first naphtha based chemical industry in Mumbai. The plants located at Mumbai, Barauni, Mettur, Pimpri and Rishra are the major producers of plastic materials. Synthetic fibres are widely used in the manufacturing of fabrics because of their inherent strength, durability, washability, and resistance to shrinkage. Industries manufacturing nylon and polyester yarns are located at Kota, Pimpri, Mumbai, Modinagar, Pune, Ujjain, Nagpur and Udhna. Acrylic staple fibre is manufactured at Kota and Vadodara.