Friday 27 August 2010

Bio-fuels, electric cars don't suit India: Ramesh

Minister of state for environment and forests Jairam Ramesh came down against the use of bio-fuels in automobiles, saying food security concerns were the priority.
On the sidelines of an automobiles event in New Delhi, Ramesh said, ''We should take a cautious approach towards it (bio-fuel) as its production would require land and crops. It will be difficult as there are other needs like food security in the country.''

According to the minister, there are differences between India and other countries that produce bio-fuels, as the country is faced with enormous population and shortage of land. This precludes the mass production of bio-fuels, which are procured from crops, plants and trees, although such fuels are environment friendly and cleaner than fossil fuels.

''We are a country of a billion people adding ten million every year, and we have serious food security issues. Diverting land or crops for bio-fuels cannot be a sustainable option,'' the minister said.
His comments seem to contradict the union government's stand. The government has given a directive of blending of bio-fuel with diesel. In 2007, the government had mandated addition of 5 per cent of bio-fuel (ethanol) in diesel. An indicative target of 20 per cent blending of bio-fuels, both for bio-diesel and bio-ethanol, by 2017 has been proposed.


3 comments:

Ananth, MM Technologies said...

This has reference to the remarks of Mr.Jairam Ramesh, minister, regarding the suitablity of Bio Fuels for our country. The minister should remember that we are the only developed country in the world which is still not totally dependant on fossil fuel completely. We still have millions of bullock carts and so on to show to the world that "if required we can live without the fossil fuel".
When crores of rupees are thrown on the CWG, dont we have some money to appoint competant persons with indepth knowledge to workon the Bio Fuel and the Alternative Fuel system. All of us are depandant on the decisions of the B'crats who does not have enough practical knowledge and unaware about the ground realities.
So many business tycoons walk away with crores of public money every year, and still our country is economically weak. The environment and the ecological system can be protected
only with the alternative fuel system.
Ananth
India Ready For Electric Vehicles, Interview with Mr. Ananth , M.M. Technologies , Mysore @ http://www.evhub.in/content/india-ready-for-electric-vehicles/

India Ready for Electric Vehicles, Interview with Mr.Ananth part 2 @ http://www.evhub.in/content/india-ready-for-electric-vehicles-by-mrananth---2/

Unknown said...

I am 100 % Agree on onion of Mr Ananth.I must say what is eduction deargee Mr.Jayram having ? and on which statistics he give a speech ? i Recommended to use Bicycle for his use during his work period as a Mantri (Minister)
Regards
Nishit Mehta
powerbike
9727593777

Murali said...

Yes... this is the problem in India. Decisions are made by people who don't event know basic things about the ministry portfolio... we need see how this statement is related to politics. This is just to divert people from the efforts they are doing right now.