The budget focused on clean energy, ranging from pollution prevention to dealing with climate risks. 2217 crores to tackle pollution in 42 cities. And the big announcement is to start work on the hydrogen energy mission. The country’s cities are in the grip of pollution. The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has already launched the National Clean Air Program (NCAP). Under this program, 127 cities are taking measures to prevent pollution. 4400 crores in the last budget. This time around 42 cities have been allocated Rs 2217 crore separately. In fact, these 42 cities are highly polluted cities that need to be operated on a large scale. The government will announce the names of these cities soon.

The announcement of the hydrogen energy policy in the budget is also considered very important. Hydrogen is the clean fuel of the future. Hydrogen powered vehicles are built in our country, but no progress has yet been made on the availability and use of hydrogen. It is believed, therefore, that a strategy for hydrogen energy is prepared in the same way that India set big goals in solar operations and has acted quickly on it.

One thousand crores of rupees has been allocated exclusively to the Solar Energy Corporation to promote new research and research on solar power. The Renewable Energy Development Agency has spent over Rs 1.5,000 crore to explore new possibilities, technologies and industries in the region. Similarly, the junk policy announced for older vehicles is related to the Ministry of Transport but it is an important step in protecting the environment. In fact, older vehicles have higher carbon emissions and are responsible for global warming.

The hydrogen mission steps toward a larger goal

Expert comment

Aarti Khosla, Director Weather Trend
The Hydrogen Energy Mission Declaration is the most important. In fact, there is talk of finding a coal alternative around the world today. In such a situation, their options are also being sought. In industries such as steel and cement where electricity consumption is very high, hydrogen energy may prove to be the best option if the use of coal is restricted. India is likely to announce its goal of carbon neutralization soon. In such a situation, if solar and hydrogen energy work is accelerated, this goal will be easier to achieve. Therefore, it is time to proceed on hydrogen energy.

Similarly, separate allocation to tackle pollution in 42 cities is also a positive step. It speeds up the national clean air program. But this government needs to make sure it is effective on the ground with sharing.

Declaring a scrap policy for vehicles in the budget is also a good step. Older vehicles not only increase pollution but also make them junk on the roads. The new policy gives way to their disposal. It reduces pollution and eliminates waste wherever possible.