New Delhi: To combat the rising menace of pollution in the national capital, the Centre is ready to offer 10 lakh litres of bio-diesel a day to the Delhi government, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Thursday.
Besides, the Centre is ready to offer technology to convert municipal and other waste into bio CNG which could power 1,000 buses, he said, calling upon investors from China to from joint ventures with companies here for manufacturing electric vehicles like autorickshaws under ‘Make in India’ initiative.
“Pollution is a serious problem and the government is committed to address it. Diesel and petroleum pollution are major factors behind Delhi’s problem. I can ensure supply of 10 lakh litres of bio-diesel a day to Delhi government. If it agrees, it can use it in generator sets,” the Road Transport and Highways Minister said while inaugurating maiden international electric vehicle Expo here.
He said the supply could be made at cheaper rates than diesel and some 30,000 litres were already being supplied in some areas in Maharashtra. Also, the Minister said lakhs of tonnes of vegetables and fruits perish in Delhi’s Azadpur Mandi which could be converted into bio-fuel besides municipal waste etc.
“We are formulating a policy to create biofuel through waste with Agriculture Ministry,” he said, adding that this will prove a boon for farmers who can make bio-fuel like ethanol through products like sugar. This will not only benefit the country’s economy but also cut on huge Rs 8 lakh crore annual crude imports, he said.
The Minister urged Chinese investors present during the EV-Expo to form joint venture with Indian companies to manufacture electric vehicles like E-rickshaws and E-carts.
“China has done lot of research in the field of electric battery and instead of imports from there, the investors can join hands with Indian companies to manufacture the vehicles here. Come to India,” the Minister said, adding that this could create huge jobs in the country.
Gadkari said lithium ion battery for vehicles has been made by ISRO scientist and costs barely up to Rs 6 lakh in comparison to the imported Rs 55 lakh batteries.
“Its patent is being done and I have requested the Prime Minister that this be given to small scale industries which will not only boost the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Made in India’ drive but also promote exports,” he said.
The Minister said one electric bus has already been gifted by the Ministry to Lok Sabha Speaker to ferry MPs while another one will be gifted to Supreme Court and one will be retained by the Road Transport and Highways Ministry.
He added that to ease pollution, the government has planned to convert about 1.5 lakh state transport buses into electric buses and talks are on with the states.
Also, flex fuel policy will be announced before January 26, Gadkari said, adding that after E-rickshaw, the government will ensure conversion of auto-rickshaws into electric rickshaws. E-rickshaw could benefit about one crore poor people, he added.
Gadkari warned local manufactures against any compromise on quality or standard of e-rickshaw and e-carts, saying that government will not hesitate in taking tough action against those found guilty of using sub-standard products.
He said government will promote use of E-rickshaw in place of cycle rickshaw on mission mode and Department of Social Welfare and Minorities would be requested to offer financial scheme as the government is committed to eradicate exploitation of poor.
“Inhuman practice of human beings pulling another human being should be stopped. The e-rickshaws will play an important role in utilizing energy for carrying passengers and goods instead of the degrading practice of using physical human labour,” he said.
The four-day international EV-EXPO here is showcasing the latest technological advancements in environment friendly electric vehicle, component, services and products for the transportation of passengers and goods.
More than 100 Indian and international E-Vehicle companies are showcasing their products. The companies include Altius Techonologies, OK Play, Soni Electric, Lohia Auto, Base corporation, Kinetic, Sarathi, Victory Electric, Nanya, Goenka, Mayuri, Mini Metro, Thukral electric bikes and Hitek.
China has the highest number of 22 companies showcasing their E-Vehicle products that include Changzou Yufeng vehicle, China, C Y International, lianyugang Yudi Ind, Qiangshang, China, Jiangxi Leek Vehicle Co, Jiangsu Yang deyi vehicle.
PTI