India: possible number of small cement projects mooted for Idia’s north east region, particularly in Manipur as the seventy per cent of the cement used in the region has been procured from other states of the country.  The Secretary, North East Council emphasized the need for tapping huge resources of the north eastern region. Within three years cement could be produced in the region officials said.  As the state has resources of limestone, the expansion of the cement factory is quite viable in view of the existing heavy demand for cement. According to the latest information from the geology and mining section of the commerce and industry directorate, there is approximately 19Mt of limestone deposit in Ukhrul district alone. Hence, experts say, there should be no problem in taking up a 200tpd cement plant in Manipur.