India is embracing opportunity of EV revolution with full force
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pointed out that developed nations emitting up to six times more carbon per capita than India but blamed developing nations which is a flawed global narrative regarding carbon footprints http://unfccc.int.
Inaugurating an International Conference on “The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics” in Delhi on 19 Sept, the Prime Minister detailed how the nation uses international platforms to assert this historical truth and showcase its traditional environmental strengths. He recalled the launch of the “Convenient Action- Continuity for Change” book at COP-21 and the creation of platforms like One Sun, One World, One Grid, the International Solar Alliance, CDRI, the Global Biofuel Alliance, and the International Big Cat Alliance.
“We are establishing new benchmarks for environmental protection by taking the world along,” affirmed PM Modi.
The Prime Minister cited the over 160+ gigawatts solar energy covering over 50 lakh homes with financial assistance of up to 80,000 rupees per household.
He added that 30 lakh farmers have received solar pumps under the Kusum Yojana, while the completed One Nation-One Grid project has successfully prevented 200 million tonnes of carbon emissions. “We have started a mission to make homes themselves the center of solar power generation,” asserted PM Modi.
Expanding on the massive strides in the broader clean energy landscape, the Prime Minister highlighted the threefold increase in wind capacity, significant hydro expansions, and a newly energized focus on nuclear power generation that now welcomes private players. He noted that these combined efforts have nearly quadrupled the nation’s non-fossil energy capacity while advancing cleaner technologies like Coal Gasification. “India has achieved major milestones in other sectors of clean energy as well,” he noted.
Celebrating the dawn of advanced clean mobility, the Prime Minister proudly announced the recent launch of the country’s first Hydrogen Train, which also holds the record as the world’s longest. He described this technological leap as a foundational milestone for the future of green transportation. “This is the beginning of a new era of clean mobility,” affirmed PM Modi.
Detailing the massive adoption of green vehicles, the Prime Minister highlighted a staggering 950-fold increase in Electric Vehicles, jumping from under three thousand sales before 2014 to roughly 25 lakh last year. He also pointed out that the modern FASTag system on highways and expressways has drastically reduced fuel wastage by minimizing wait times at toll booths. “India is embracing this opportunity of the EV revolution with full force,” noted PM Modi.
Underscoring the eco-friendly transformation of heavy logistics, the Prime Minister explained how the near-total electrification of the railways has saved crores of liters of diesel from being burned. He highlighted the massive environmental benefits of the newly inaugurated 3,000-kilometer Dedicated Freight Corridor, where historic double-stack container trains are replacing hundreds of polluting trucks per journey. “You can imagine on what a large scale this is helping the environment,” observed PM Modi.
Pointing to alternative eco-friendly transport modes, the Prime Minister celebrated the operationalization of approximately 5,000 kilometers of inland waterways across the country. He explained that a single standard inland vessel navigating these routes can carry a load equivalent to dozens of trucks. “This too is providing great help in environmental conservation,” he noted.
Summarizing the collective impact of these transit upgrades, the Prime Minister emphasized that the sweeping changes across the entire mobility sector serve as undeniable proof of the nation’s balanced growth trajectory. He stated that rapid progress is entirely compatible with environmental preservation. “Our development is speedy as well as sustainable,” affirmed PM Modi.
Underscoring the massive scale of ecological agriculture, the Prime Minister detailed the establishment of 24,000 natural farming clusters across 12.5 lakh hectares under the National Mission on Natural Farming. He also highlighted the successful development of 3,000 climate-resilient crop varieties and the strategic promotion of agro-forestry to reduce the national footprint. “By promoting agro-forestry, we are also reducing carbon footprints,” he asserted.
Illustrating the comprehensive nature of the country’s environmental efforts, the Prime Minister shared that the very dense forest cover has increased by more than 22 percent over the last 12 years. He praised the ongoing ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign for inspiring citizens to plant crores of trees in a continuous, nationwide drive.
Addressing the critical challenge of plastic pollution, the Prime Minister reiterated the national ban on single-use plastics and the strong push toward a Circular Economy based on reducing, reusing, and recycling thousands of tons of daily waste. He cited the Gobardhan Yojana as a prime example of converting rural organic waste into valuable resources through a Wealth from Waste model. “Our endeavor is that instead of treating waste as a problem, it should be transformed into a resource,” affirmed PM Modi.
Elevating the significance of the nation’s environmental achievements, the Prime Minister stated that these robust statistics represent far more than domestic progress. He framed the nation’s developmental data as monumental, direct contributions to the survival and prosperity of the entire human race. “These are also figures of India’s contribution to the future of humanity,” asserted PM Modi.
The Prime Minister underscored the profound relationship between the earth and its inhabitants that drives these responsible actions. He concluded his address on an optimistic note, expressing deep confidence that the conference deliberations would yield innovative solutions, and offered his final felicitations. “India is also working to build a responsible and sustainable future,” he affirmed. Fiinews.com
