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For the first time, in a conscious attempt to synergize the efforts of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj towards meeting the common objectives spelt out in the National Common Minimum Programme, under the direction of the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Pancayati Raj, two ministries have come together to seek the advice of the Parliamentary Committee Consultative Committees (PCC) on the subject of `initiatives on alternative fuels’. A Joint meeting of the PCCs attached to these Ministries has been convened on 26.4.2005 to discuss the Agenda.
The discussion inter-alia are expected to range from the steps that can be taken by the Ministry of Pancayati Raj for promotion of Jatropa curcus (from oil of which bio-diesel can be produced) on community lands, and indicative policies that can be considered by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas for providing the demand-end support for purchase of bio-diesel.
Alternative fuels, particularly bio-fuels can address the twin concerns of the National Common Minimum Programme, viz. economic reforms with a human face, as well as energy security while meeting the global objective of reduction in environmental pollution.
As India traverses the path of economic growth, our dependence on imported crude oil is increasing. From 70.7% in 2003-04, import dependence on oil is estimated to go up to 85% in 2020. Increased consumption of most hydrocarbons also contributes to environmental pollution. In the quest for achieving energy security, along with reduction in environmental pollution, alternative fuels emerge as niche area. In the Indian context, such fuels imply inter-alia substituting conventional fuels in part by blending with renewable fuels like ethanol, bio-diesel and hydrogen and tapping alternative sources of fossil energy such as Coal Bed Methane, Underground Coal Gasification and gas hydrates.
RCJ/PK
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