Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday advocated the use of ethanol, stating that India needs more alternative fuels to reduce its dependence on oil and gas amid changing global dynamics.
Aiming to promote clean energy and cut reliance on fossil fuels, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Assam Bioethanol Plant and laid the foundation stone for a polypropylene plant at Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) in Golaghat, Assam.
“In the changing times, India requires alternative fuels to reduce dependence on oil and gas,” said Modi, highlighting ethanol as a viable option. He noted that a new plant producing ethanol from bamboo has been inaugurated and said the initiative would greatly benefit farmers and tribal communities in Assam.
Alongside the inauguration of the ethanol plant, he also laid the foundation stone for a polypropylene plant. He emphasized that these projects will boost industrial growth in Assam, accelerate the state’s development, and create new opportunities for farmers and youth and extended his congratulations to all for these initiatives.
Stating that arrangements are being made to ensure a steady supply of bamboo for operating the bio-ethanol plant, Modi highlighted that the government will support local farmers in cultivating bamboo and will also procure it directly. He informed that small units related to bamboo chipping will be established in the region. The Prime Minister announced that approximately Rs. 200 crore will be spent annually in this sector. He emphasized that this single plant will benefit thousands of people in the area.
Underlining that India is now producing ethanol from bamboo, the Prime Minister reminded the public of the earlier times when, under the opposition-led government, cutting bamboo could lead to imprisonment. He emphasized that bamboo, an integral part of daily life for tribal communities, was subject to restrictions. Modi highlighted that the current government removed the ban on bamboo cutting, and this decision is now delivering substantial benefits to the people of the North East.
