Cement consumption, an indicator of overall construction activity, recorded the highest growth rate in Delhi, followed by Haryana and Madhya Pradesh during the first quarter of the current fiscal.  The growth rate in Delhi was recorded at 27 per cent, followed by Haryana at 19 per cent and Madhya Pradesh at 17 per cent. Cement consumption growth in central region stood at 9 per cent in April-June 2004 which was higher than the 2 per cent national consumption growth for the same period, said Cement Manufacturers’ Association.  A double digit consumption growth was also recorded in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh at 13 per cent each while Uttaranchal clocked a 9 per cent growth.  In region-wise category, the central region was followed by north (9 per cent), west (6 per cent), while the east recorded a mere 2 per cent consumption growth.