Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday called for a rapid transition to alternative and green fuels in India to combat pollution, reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, and foster rural development. He made the remarks while addressing newly-recruited railway employees at a Rojgar Mela, where 315 candidates received appointment letters in the virtual presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Importance of Indigenous Fuels
Gadkari identified petrol and diesel as the country's "biggest pollution problem" and stressed the need for cleaner, indigenous energy solutions. "About 87% of petrol, diesel and gas is imported. This causes pollution as well as a huge import bill burden. Therefore, our policy is import substitute, cost-effective, pollution-free and indigenous fuel," he said.
Green Mobility Initiatives
Highlighting the government's push toward green mobility, Gadkari noted that India has already introduced electric scooters, cars, buses, trucks, and tractors. He added that flex-fuel and hydrogen-powered vehicles would play a significant role in the country's future transport ecosystem.
Referring to his personal use of alternative fuel vehicles, Gadkari said the Toyota Innova he currently uses runs entirely on bio-ethanol. "The ethanol costs around Rs65 per litre and generates electricity while running. Compared to petrol and diesel, the effective cost comes down significantly," he explained.
Upcoming Ethanol Vehicles
The minister announced that a new range of 100% ethanol-run vehicles would soon be launched in India. "Toyota, Tata, Mahindra and Suzuki have already developed such vehicles. Two-wheelers have also arrived," he said.
Linking Green Energy with Rural Development
Gadkari emphasized that farmers should not remain only "food providers" but also become "energy and fuel providers." He said biofuels such as ethanol, methanol, biodiesel, and aviation fuel can be produced from agricultural waste and biomass.
He cited the example of aviation fuel being produced from rice straw, which is commonly burnt in northern states, and noted that even fighter jets and commercial aircraft operate using such fuel. Gadkari also mentioned that bitumen made from biomass is being used in road construction, including a stretch near Mansar on the Nagpur-Jabalpur highway.
Environmental Conservation Efforts
The minister appealed to citizens to participate in environmental conservation and announced a target of planting 25 lakh trees in Nagpur city to match its population. He urged the new recruits to view public service as more than just employment. "Life is a struggle. Your real test lies in how you move forward despite challenges," he said.
Rural Employment and Livelihood Projects
At another event, Gadkari highlighted ongoing rural employment and textile-based livelihood projects linked to women empowerment and sustainable development. Referring to traditional handloom and tussar silk saree initiatives, he said similar projects aimed at generating employment for rural women were underway in places including Washim, Bela, and Pachgaon, with inaugurations scheduled next month. He added that such initiatives help revive traditional weaving practices while creating income opportunities at the village level.
Gadkari concluded that innovation, entrepreneurship, research, and skill development would play a major role in strengthening the rural economy and reducing migration from villages to cities.
