Highlighting the importance of biofuels in achieving energy independence while tackling air pollution caused by stubble burning, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, said on Thursday that the logistics costs in the country can be drastically reduced by using alternative fuels such as methanol, ethanol and bio-CNG.
Addressing the ‘International Methanol Seminar and Expo’ in the national capital, the minister emphasised two key concerns -- rising pollution and fossil fuel imports.
Gadkari underscored the urgent need to reduce these imports for self-sufficiency, which amounts to about Rs 22 lakh crore, especially in light of global geopolitical uncertainties.
"India is making significant strides in the biofuel sector, especially in methanol. NITI Aayog's efforts to promote methanol are yielding success, given its affordability and pollution-free nature. Low-quality coal, which is available in a few states, is also being used in making methanol," he told the gathering.
Gadkari highlighted the concept of converting waste into wealth, adding that materials like used tyre powder and plastic are being utilised in road construction, which helps in the reduction of bitumen imports. The initiative of using crop waste is also helping to increase the incomes of farmers across the country.
Emphasising the significance of waste-to-energy technologies, particularly the production of bio-CNG from rice straw, the minister said this approach has shown promise in 475 projects, with over 40 already up and running in states such as Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka.
"The conversion ratio of rice straw to Bio-CNG is roughly 5:1 in tonnes," said the minister, urging for additional research into more efficient biomass sources and cost-effective transportation methods for biomass.
On the stubble burning problem in Punjab and Haryana that causes severe air pollution every year, the minister said we can currently process one-fifth of the parali (stubble) but with better planning, we can reduce the seasonal air pollution from stubble burning by using parali as raw material for alternative fuels.
Priority given to development of border villages in North Eastern states: Union MoS Dr. L Murugan
The Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Dr. L Murugan on Thursday arrived here at Agartala on a two-day visit to the state and laid emphasis on proper implementation of the flagship programmes of the Prime Minister.
MHA sanctioned another Tripura State Rifles battalion: CM Saha
An official of the Tripura Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said that the decision to create another TSR battalion was taken based on Chief Minister Manik Saha's proposal placed before Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his recent meeting in New Delhi.
CM Dr Manik Saha seeks support from DoNER ministry for AIMS in Tripura
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Thursday attended the second meeting of the High-Level Task Force on Investment Promotion in the North Eastern Region chaired by the DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and sought support of the ministry for establishment of AIMS in Tripura.
Man held with stealing gold worth Rs 1 lakh while selling in jewelry shop
Alertness by a local jeweller and swift police action led to the arrest of a 24‑year‑old man who tried to sell stolen ornaments at SB Jewellers opposite Kali Bari in Bishramganj Madhya Bazar on Thursday afternoon.
Man found hanging in abandoned office
A sense of deep sorrow has gripped the Madhuban Jharjharia area under Amtali after the lifeless body of a young man was recovered from an abandoned building near the local electricity office on Thursday afternoon.
State making steady progress across all sectors: CM
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today said that solving the basic problems of the people is one of the goals of the present government and Tripura is moving forward in all areas including health, education and sports.
State Cabinet passes resolution congratulating PM Modi, armed forces for success of 'Operation Sindoor'
The Tripura State Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, extended its heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian Armed Forces for the successful execution of the anti-militancy mission, Operation Sindoor.
Maulana Azad National Urdu University cancels MoU with Turkish institute
Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) has announced the cancellation of its academic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Yunus Emre Institute of Turkey in the wake of Turkey's support to Pakistan in the recent Indo-Pak conflict following the terror attack at Pahalgam.