Our criminal neglect of the environment can ‘kill’ future generations

Onerecalls how in the olden days, the engine, with a snout rather like that of a pig, would put out a loud whistle, let out a huge gust of black smoke and, with the carriages behind it carrying passengers or goods, the train would commence its journey. Later, the engine was replaced by a Canadian engine, shaped more like a bullet with a rounded off end. As years passed, came the era of electric trains, powered by an overhead system of electric wires. Journeys became shorter and the rides smoother. Also the trains caused much less atmospheric pollution. And now, finally, the country is moving confidently and rapidly in the direction of a regime in which Electrical Vehicles (EVs) will replace those driven by internal combustion engines.

The transition to electricity-driven vehicles is a global phenomenon, marked by a shift from internal combustion engines to Battery-Electric Vehicles (BEVs) to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency. Driven by climate goals, this transition is accelerating, with global EV numbers projected to rise significantly, led by China, Europe, and the U.S., Electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers are seeing rapid adoption, particularly in emerging markets like India. Most welcome, though the transition is, from the point of view of putting in place a more environment friendly ecosystem in the future, many hurdles will need to be overcome before satisfactory results can be seen.

Those hurdles include developing extensive charging infrastructure, reducing battery costs, overcoming range anxiety and re-skilling the workforce for new maintenance and production needs. Encouraged by market response, automobile manufacturers are investing billions in new plants, particularly for batteries.

India has joined the exciting journey with enthusiasm and is experiencing a surge in EV adoption, driven by a strong focus on two-wheelers and three-wheelers. The country is dedicated to a low carbon emission pathway and is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2070 underscores. Its ambitious push towards electric mobility is reshaping the country’s transportation landscape, driven by a multifaceted approach encompassing governmental directives, technological strides, environmental imperatives and market dynamics.

For achieving its ambitious transport decarbonisation goals, financial incentives are crucial. To that end, the central government is providing valuable and substantial support, with schemes such as ‘PM-eBus Sewa’, FAME II and ACC PLI (Product Linked Incentive), to boost electric public transport., In addition, the National E-Bus Program, led by NITI Aayog and Convergence Energy Services Limited, a 100 per cent wholly-owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited, a joint venture under the ministry of Power, aims to aggregate demand for e-buses, resulting in a significant cost reduction compared to petrol/diesel alternatives.

The State EV Accelerator Program, specifically the EV Accelerator Cell, which is a key initiative supported by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the “Go Electric” campaign to speed up the adoption of electric vehicles and infrastructure development, has spurred 33 states/UTs to adopt EV policies, fostering investments and job creation. The Shoonya – Zero Pollution delivery campaign, is another major initiative which, with 140 industry partners, advocates EV use in urban delivery and ride-hailing. In yet another forward looking step, India’s first electric freight platform, e-FAST, led by NITI Aayog and 12 knowledge partners, supports national and international collaborations, driving technology integration and research for cleaner practices in the freight industry.

Telangana, among other states, is also doing its bit to bolster the national effort. The State government is taking steps to prepare a comprehensive and forward-looking roadmap for the establishment of infrastructure, such as EV charging stations, combining government initiatives with active participation of the private sector in order to hasten the process of adoption of EVs. It is also proposed to develop a centralised real-time dashboard to map and to monitor the establishment of such infrastructure. The Energy department of the state is also framing a policy to mandate installation of EV charging points in the basements of apartment complexes to enable convenient home charging options and encourage wider adoption of EVs.

These initiatives are expected to collectively propel India towards a sustainable and electrified transportation future. These measures aim to boost domestic manufacturing, enhance global competitiveness, and nurture global champions.

Through strategic initiatives, financial incentives, a commitment to circular economy principles and strong international cooperation, the nation is moving towards the forefront, on a path towards a cleaner and greener tomorrow.

The switch to clear energy sources is not confined to road transport alone. For instance, electric-powered ships, ranging from fully electric ferries to autonomous cargo vessels use battery power for cleaner, lower-cost maritime operations, offering zero emissions and over 90 per cent propulsion efficiency, making them ideal for shorter routes, inland waterways and harbour operations. These vessels are a crucial part of the maritime industry’s push toward net-zero emissions by 2050.

Electric-powered boats date back to 1839. While early electric boats existed in the 19th century, modern high-capacity battery ships have gained traction since 2015 for maritime decarbonisation. The phenomenon is also spreading to the aviation industry. For example, electric-powered aircraft have been in development since the 1880s but the modern era of piloted electric flight truly began with experimental planes in the 1970s. Electric propulsion aircraft use electric motors, powered by batteries or fuel cells, to drive propellers or fans, aiming for near-zero emissions, reduced noise, and improved energy efficiency. The transition, however, is still mostly in the experimental stage.

Special efforts are also afoot to spread the adoption of zero-pollution vehicles and equipment in the vital defence sector. The Indian armed forces are switching to EVs for non-combat roles in peace stations to reduce carbon emissions and dependency on fossil fuels, aiming for a net-zero future. The initiative involves phasing in electric cars, buses, and motorcycles, supported by infrastructure development like solar-powered charging stations

There is this very wise and profound Telugu saying, which says that, while one’s forefathers may not have bequeathed great wealth or riches, one is certain to inherit the detrimental fallouts of their actions. As, for instance, the innocent and unfortunate generation of Japanese, that followed the tragic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the Americans, did.

If we are not to have our future generations cursing us for the adverse consequences befalling them on account of our criminal neglect of the environment, it will certainly be, at least partly, on account of the eco-friendly shift to electric power that we have discussed so far. Long live Thomas Alva Edison!

(The writer was formerly Chief Secretary, Government of Andhra Pradesh)