Delhi pollution impacted my health: Nitin Gadkari

Nitin Gadkari said that the BJP government was laying emphasis on generation of bio-fuel

New Delhi, Nov 10: Admitting that the recent Delhi pollution has taken a toll on his health, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday suggested that farmers, instead of burning paddy straw, should produce ethanol from it.

"Delhi pollution has impacted my health....rice straw which people burn, cause pollution and can be used to produce second generation ethanol which can be blended with petrol," Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Minister Gadkari said, addressing economic editors conference here.

The Minister said that the BJP government was laying emphasis on generation of bio-fuel and reduce oil imports as it will not only minimise pollution but make the country self-reliant.

"Our government is putting emphasis on bio-fuel, ethanol, CNG and electric," he said. At the same time, he said that coal caused pollution and manufacturing methanol from it can reduce it.

The Minister also stressed that the vehicle scrapping policy would also contribute significantly in curbing pollution as more than 15 years old heavy commercial vehicles contributed to 65 per cent of the pollution.

"Sixty-five per cent pollution is caused by heavy vehicles which are of over 15 years. If we scrap this, it will reduce 65 per cent pollution," the Minister said. He added that his Ministry was also considering using pre-cast bridges in construction so that pollution is minimised.

Besides, construction of Eastern and Western peripheral expressways would reduce Delhi pollution by 50 per cent, he said and added that Metrino project was also on the anvil.

PTI