Nagpur: Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday said India must rapidly shift towards alternative and green fuels to reduce pollution, cut dependence on imported fossil fuels, and boost rural development.He was addressing newly-recruited railway employees during a Rojgar Mela where 315 candidates received appointment letters in the virtual presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Gadkari said petrol and diesel remain 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. Highlighting the Centre’s push towards green mobility, Gadkari said India has already introduced electric scooters, cars, buses, trucks and tractors. He added that flex-fuel and hydrogen-powered vehicles would play a major 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 said.The minister also announced that a new range of 100% ethanol-run vehicles would soon be launched in the country. “Toyota, Tata, Mahindra and Suzuki have already developed such vehicles. Two-wheelers have also arrived,” he said.Linking green energy with rural development, Gadkari said 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, commonly burnt in northern states, and said even fighter jets and commercial aircraft operated using such fuel. Gadkari also said bitumen made from biomass was being used in road construction, including a stretch near Mansar on the Nagpur-Jabalpur highway.The minister also appealed to citizens to participate in environmental conservation efforts 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. At another event, Gadkari also 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 said such initiatives were helping revive traditional weaving practices while creating income opportunities at the village level. Gadkari added that innovation, entrepreneurship, research and skill development would play a major role in strengthening the rural economy and reducing migration from villages to cities.
