Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi bats for alternative sources to reduce petrol use

Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi on Wednesday emphasised the need for use of alternative sources of energy to reduce dependence on petrol. The nation needs to formulate ways and means of switching to alternative sources of energy such as solar and tidal power, Mukhim said on Wednesday after inaugurating a month-long public awareness campaign SAKSHAM (Sanrakshan Kshmata Mahotsav) 2019 at Guwahati Refinery Auditorium here. "Crude oil is diminishing fast. There should be extensive research on using unconventional sources of energy as an alternative to petrol," he said.

The governor urged people to work towards making the campaign a success. "We need to take a pledge to ensure that this month-long awareness campaign bear fruits," he maintained. Mukhi said economic development usually leads to increased dependence on petroleum products. "Therefore, serious efforts have to be made in conserving crude oil and finding alternative sources of energy that can fuel the nation," he suggested. The governor also maintained that the Centre has formulated plans to enhance the availability of proprietary oil and gas, both from within and outside the country.

Ethanol-blended petrol and Jatropha-based bio-diesel, if promoted, can reduce dependency on fossil fuels, he said. The governor also hailed Petroleum Conservation Research Association and other stakeholders for taking "pragmatic steps" to devise ways to conserve petrol and reduce its excessive use. He appealed people to adopt conservation as a way of life by judiciously using petrol and extending support to environmental preservation efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)