In a meeting with chief ministers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called on states to accelerate alternative energy sources like biofuels, solar energy, GOBARdhan initiative as part of move to diversify fuel sources.
The meeting was called by the prime minister amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, that has threatened global oil supply and led to supply disruption. PM Modi called upon states to work as “Team India” even as he recalled team effort during Covid-19 pandemic.
During the meeting, PM Modi urged states to focus on immediate response and long-term preparedness even as India geared up for potential impact of the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
“Prime Minister called for a parallel focus on immediate response and long-term preparedness. He urged States to accelerate efforts in promoting alternative energy sources such as biofuels, solar energy, GOBARdhan initiative, electric mobility, as well as expanding piped natural gas connections,” a government statement read.
While PM Modi highlighted the importance of enhancing domestic exploration of oil and natural gas, listing biofuels and natural gas, one of the lesser-known schemes that caught attention was GOBARdhan or Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan.
GOBARdhan covers the schemes and policies of the government to promote the conversion of organic waste like cattle dung and agriculture residue to biogas or bio-CNG.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister stressed the crucial role of states in implementing decisions, calling for constant centre-state coordination, timely information sharing, and joint decision-making to ensure swift and aligned responses.
He said that efforts undertaken in recent years to strengthen the country’s economic and supply systems are proving beneficial in the current context. He further said that India has prior experience in dealing with similar global disruptions.
He also recalled the collective response during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the Centre and States worked together as “Team India” to mitigate the impact on supply chains, trade, and daily life.
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