Centre ready to supply biodiesel to Delhi

To combat the rising menace of pollution in the national capital, the Centre is ready to offer 10 lakh litres of biodiesel a day to the Delhi government, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said on Thursday.

Besides, the Centre is ready to offer technology to convert municipal and other waste into bio CNG which could power 1,000 buses, he said, calling upon investors from China to from joint ventures with companies here for manufacturing electric vehicles like autorickshaws under “Make in India” initiative.

“Pollution is a serious problem and the government is committed to address it. Diesel and petroleum pollution are major factors behind Delhi’s problem. I can ensure supply of 10 lakh litres of bio-diesel a day to Delhi government. If it agrees, it can use it in generator sets,” the road transport and highways minister said while inaugurating maiden international electric vehicle Expo here.

He said the supply could be made at cheaper rates than diesel and some 30,000 litres were already being supplied in some areas in Maharashtra.

Also, the minister said lakhs of tonnes of vegetables and fruits perish in Delhi’s Azadpur Mandi which could be converted into bio-fuel besides municipal waste etc.

“We are formulating a policy to create biofuel through waste with agriculture ministry,” he said, adding that this will prove a boon for farmers who can make bio-fuel like ethanol through products like sugar. This will not only benefit the country’s economy but also cut on huge Rs 8 lakh crore annual crude imports, he said.

The minister urged Chinese investors present during the EV-Expo to form joint venture with Indian companies to manufacture electric vehicles like E-rickshaws and E-carts.

“China has done lot of research in the field of electric battery and instead of imports from there, the investors can join hands with Indian companies to manufacture the vehicles here. Come to India,” the minister said, adding that this could create huge jobs in the country. Mr Gadkari said lithium ion battery for vehicles has been made by Isro scientist and costs barely up to Rs 6 lakh in comparison to the imported Rs 55 lakh batteries.