EV boost plan after failure of diesel-auto retrofitting vow
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: November 11, 2022 -

Chief minister N Biren's announcement made during the release of 'The Manipur Electric Mobility Policy, 2022' that the government will provide incentives under the policy in the form of waiver of up to 30 per cent on Motor Vehicle Tax at the time of registration of newly purchased electric vehicles (EVs) will definitely help in encouraging both public transport service providers and private individuals to invest in owning EVs.

In case the number of EV owners increases then it is obvious that the level of environmental pollution too would decrease for mass usage of vehicles powered by the conventional fossil fuel is the main reason for air and noise pollution in the state, which is still bereft of big industries.

Apart from the private parties, it is heartening to learn that the government of Manipur is according importance to the plan for purchase of EVs for its various departments.

Having acknowledged the adverse impact of rapid growth of population and urbanisation over the years on the environment, the chief minister shouldn't delay in implementing policies already in place or are under process for any sort of inordinate delays or indecisions will only create serious health issues and cause irreparable damage to the eco-system.

Some two years back during an assembly session, the government declared plans to replace diesel auto-rickshaws with electric auto-rickshaws and introduce electric bus transport service to check pollution and traffic congestions in Imphal city.

Diesel auto-rickshaws still dominating the public transport sector and no signs of the proposed electric bus are clear evidences that the plan has been put in the cold storage.

With each passing year there has been intense traffic congestion during the peak office hours, marriage season and festivals thereby indicating gravity of the environmental pollution. The level of pollution might be most intense in the urban areas as of now but there is no guarantee that the rural pockets face no such issues.

In his address to the gathering of scientists, policy makers and bureaucrats, N Biren pointed out that carbon emissions from vehicles are major contributor to climate change and projected adaptation to EVs as the most potential means to bring solution to the problem of vehicular pollution.

He also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's keenness for initiating relevant measures to promote EVs in the country along with mentioning about the PM's aim to achieve Net-Zero Carbon by 2070.

All these policies and initiatives underscore government of India's firm resolve to reduce dependency on fossil fuel as well as address issues of vehicular emissions.

Therefore, it is imperative that the government of Manipur expedites relevant process for adoption of EVs in the state and setting up the required infrastructure.

However, ensuring availability of battery recharge facility or replacement system will be the deciding factor on whether the objective will fructify as the passenger carriers, in particular, wouldn't be impressed with the idea of operating EVs if they have to frequently halt service for recharging.

The state will have to be well prepared to ensure undisrupted power supply for which various sources of electricity generation must be explored rather than continuous banking on the conventional hydro-power supplied from other states.