Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in an exclusive interaction at ‘Aadhaar Infra Confluence 2023′ that was recently organised by Panchjanya at Hotel Le Meridien, Delhi said that he was tirelessly working towards ensuring that the vehicles run on clean fuel.
The minister said that when in the past he had met the Rashtrya Swayamsevak Sangh Sangsanchalak Sudarshanji, he used to say that the farmers of this country have the potential to provide an alternative to petrol and diesel. He had called for the need to develop clean fuel so that there could be less pollution.
Working on his principle, Nitin Gadkari told the gathering that presently the farmers have got the potential to develop bioethanol. He further added that at the recently concluded G20 summit, the formation of the Biofuel alliance is the stepping stone towards developing clean fuel and in the near future Bharat will be the exporter of such fuel as well as clean energy.
Gadkari said that Indian oil imports will touch the demand worth Rs 25 lakh crore from Rs 16 lakh crore at present which will be a financial burden as well as increase pollution. “We have seen reports that suggest that the average life of a person residing in Delhi is getting reduced by 1-12 years due to pollution,” the minister said. Gadkari stressed on the need to replace to fuel with biofuel and added that Brazil uses 26 per cent ethanol in its vehicles and has set necessary vehicular standards for the same. .
He further added in the next two to three years, airplanes will run on fuel prepared by farmers’ said that the automobile sector makes significant contribution to the country’s economy, with its current size standing at Rs 12.50 lakh crore compared to Rs 4.15 lakh crore in 2014 when he assumed the role of Minister of Road Transport and Highways.
On the topic of electric vehicles, Nitin Gadkari added that all passible steps are being taken to make Bharat secure the number one position in the manufacturing of automobiles and electric vehicles. He further said that electric highway is being built in the country. Gadkari stated that all these measures are being taken so that our environment can be protected.
Gadkari added, that the Union Government is looking into the possibility of introducing a policy to use garbage in road construction across the country to reduce its burden.
Nitin Gadkari further urged the people of the country to shift from diesel vehicle soon. He encouraged people to embrace green fuels and said that he might consider proposing an additional 10 per cent tax on diesel-run vehicles and generators if there is excessive usage.
