New Delhi: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari urged for renewed research efforts to lessen India’s reliance on fossil fuels, highlighting its potential to address both environmental concerns and uplift marginalized communities.
Speaking at the 14th Edition of the Aegis Graham Bell Awards, the Minister for Road, Transport, and Highways stressed the importance of research in creating sustainable solutions for socially, economically, and educationally disadvantaged communities.
Expressing optimism, he asserted that India, through the implementation of various technologies, will emerge as a strong player in the global arena. Gadkari envisioned a future, within the next five years, where India becomes an exporter of bio-aviation fuel. He highlighted the potential of utilizing biomass from bamboo, wheat straw, and rice straw to produce ethanol, subsequently leading to the creation of bio-aviation fuel.
Gadkari underscored the multifaceted impact of research, noting its role in smart village development, water conservation, and the diversification of agricultural practices. He urged researchers to prioritize studies focused on agriculture, rural development, and tribal communities, recognizing the significant potential to establish sustainable livelihoods for those facing social, economic, and educational challenges.
Additionally, Gadkari mentioned an ongoing research initiative aiming to produce ethanol from carbon dioxide. He said, “I am doing a lot of experiments. Presently, we have a plant of 15,000 litres per day where the experiment is going on… Scientists from Tamil Nadu are making ethanol from carbon dioxide. So, anything which is going to be a big research which is related to carbon dioxide, it will be a great addition and relief to the people of this country.”
