World Environment Day and Role of India

In News

The 'Report of the Expert Committee on Road Map for ethanol blending in India 2020-2025' was released on 5th June by PM Narendra Modi at an event marked to celebrate World Environment Day.

About

On the occasion of World Environment Day, a master plan was released for the development of Ethanol sector. Ethanol plays a positive role on environment and also on the lives of farmers. It was determined to meet 20 per cent Ethanol blending in petrol by 2025.

The renewable energy capacity of India has increased to 250 per cent in the last 6-7 years. India is among top 5 nations in terms of installed renewable energy capacity. Particularly the solar energy capacity has increased by 15 times in the last 6 years.

PM Modi said India has chosen a path where 'Economy and Ecology both can go together and can move forward." "Be the International Solar Alliance, realizing the vision of One Sun, One World, One Grid, or the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure initiative, India is moving ahead with a big global vision."

An ambitious E-100 pilot project for the production and distribution of ethanol was also launched across the country at three locations in Pune.

This event was virtually organised by the Union ministry of petroleum and natural gas in collaboration with the ministry of environment, forest and climate change.

To celebrate the World Environment Day, the government is releasing the E-20 notification that will allow oil companies to sell 20% ethanol blended petrol from April 1, 2023, and BIS specifications for higher ethanol blends E12 and E15.

Every year June 5 is observed as the World Environment Day by the people of the world to raise alertness about the importance of nature and to inspire positive change towards the environment.

The theme of this year's World Environment Day is 'Reimagine. Recreate. Restore' as 2021 marks the beginning of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Pakistan is the global host for the day to emphasize the importance of ecosystem revival this year.

Ecosystem restoration means prohibiting, halting, and reversing this damage that is from exploiting nature to healing it. It also suggests for assisting in the recovery of ecosystems that have been degraded or destroyed, as well as preserving the ecosystems that are still undamaged. Restoration can occur in many ways, such as through actively planting or by removing pressures so that nature can recover on its own.

Role of Indian Railways

Indian railways are working hard to beome the largest green railways in the world. It is also moving towards becoming a ‘net zero carbon emitter’ before 2030.

Western railway has saved fresh water by recycling and reusing it through installation of effluent treatment plant and waste water treatment plant. The South Eastern railway has focused on railway electrification. The North western railway has focused on rain water conservation. The South Western railway plans to become Net Zero Carbon Emitter by 2030.