While delivering the keynote address at the launch of the ‘Electric Mobility Forum’ of research organisation WRI India, vice-president Venkaiah Naidu, on March 28, 2019, called for the development of a comprehensive mobility plan, to meet the needs of cities for a period of 30-40 years. “Standalone metro systems are not effective and need a holistic approach. Globally, the mobility sector is acquiring new paradigms. Shared mobility, electric vehicles, bicycles and connected vehicles are taking the centre-stage and India must also follow the same,” he said.
The forum, launched by the vice-president, is aimed at revolutionising electric mobility in the country and accelerating the transition towards clean electric vehicles. Naidu, citing figures, said it took 70 years to build 60,000 petrol pumps in the country and viewed that building the ecosystem for electric vehicles will take time, as around five lakh charging stations will be needed to power the clean vehicles.
See also: PM Modi launches National Common Mobility Card for travel across country
He termed climate change as the biggest challenge facing the earth, saying the best way to face it is to be friendly with nature and live in harmony with it. “As we brace ourselves to cope with this challenge of climate change, we will have to marshal all our intelligence, knowledge, science and understanding of nature to do that,” Naidu said. Air quality has been a matter of concern and every winter, several parts of the country face ambient air quality that is extremely poor. This cannot be allowed to go on, he said. “We need to systematically identify the sources of the problem and deal with them. Otherwise, this will adversely impact the health and well-being of city residents, especially our children,” he said.
Naidu also focused on the need to educate people and create infrastructure, for meeting the goals of providing adequate transportation facilities to the people, while tackling the issue of pollution. “You have to educate people about the dangers of climate change and create awareness about taking care of our surroundings,” he said while advocating the move from private to public transport.
Press Trust of India (PTI), headquartered in New Delhi, is India’s largest news agency. It was registered in 1947 and started operations in 1949. PTI has more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers, who generate more than 2,000 stories and 200 photographs every day. Subscribers to PTI’s feed include the mainstream media, research groups, specialised presses, companies, government organisations and NGOs.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PressTrustofIndia
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PTI_News
Email: [email protected]
Related Posts
CESC contemplating network of e-charging stations in Kolkata.
South Delhi gets its first public electric vehicle charging station.
Central government finally unveils National Clean Air Programme.
Life expectancy of Delhiites can increase by three years, if air quality improves by 20-30 per cent: Study.
India and Germany to collaborate, for implementation of the National Clean Air Programme.
West Bengal Pollution Control Board puts action plan in place, to tackle pollution.
