Transport industry behind 40% of air pollution, taking multiple steps to curb it

Speaking at the Green Bharat Summit in New Delhi, Gakdari said that green hydrogen is the next big measure to curb the menace of pollution.  Asked about the bad state of air pollution in Delhi-NCR, Gadkari highlighted multiple measures being taken by his ministry to tackle the issue.

“This [air pollution] is happening in a natural process … transport industry is responsible for 40% of the air pollution … electric buses, CNG cars, CNG scooters, electric scooters, flex engine initiatives will help us realize the Green Bharat dream. Solar power now makes up 40% of the total power basket,” he said.

The minister of road transport and highways asserted that India will realize the 2070 target of becoming carbon neutral in the next few years.

Gadkari said that hydrogen fuel will help India become atmanirbhar in the energy sector. He also stressed that the cost of green hydrogen needs to come down to $1 per kilogram (Rs 83 as per the current exchange rate) from the present rate of Rs 300 per kilogram. “Green Hydrogen is the futuristic fuel, by using bio technology, we will increase the productivity of biomass. We will create green hydrogen by municipal waste and biomass. This will make us atmanirbhar (self reliant),” he said. Gadkari said solutions can also be found beyond the tested route of electrolysers, and pointed out to research done by IISc Bengaluru, where they have succeeded to get the cost per kg to Rs 150 using biomass. He added that India will transition from being an energy importer to an energy exporter. Gadkari also highlighted the need for bio-fuels, stating that India needs diversification in agriculture, where the focus is on energy and power sectors as well. Given the need to curb pollution, biofuel is the need of the hour.

While agriculture contributes only 12 per cent to the country’s economic growth, it supports 65 per cent of the population, the minister highlighted.

The Union minister also said that improving the quality of public transport will not only help reduce air pollution but will also boost the country’s economy. Delhi and adjoining areas have been grappling with worsening air quality due to a cocktail of issues during the winter months, including vehicular emissions and stubble burning.