Motorists should ensure fuel efficiency by adhering to stringent emission norms and good driving habits, V. Sajith, Assistant Professor, School of Nanoscience and Technology, National Institute of Technology, Calicut, has said.
He was delivering a lecture on oil conservation organised by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. in association with The Hindu at Malabar Christian College here on Thursday.
Students from the departments of chemistry and physics participated in large numbers at the programme. Dr. Godwin Samraj, Principal, Malabar Christian College, was present.
Dr. Sajith said that fuel additives would also help reduce emission. Slow driving and regular servicing would help cut down the fuel usage. As a long-term goal, the use of fossil fuels itself could be reduced.
“The dependence on diesel should be reduced as it causes more pollution. Biodiesel could be encouraged. Another alternative is electric vehicles.” He said that research was on into using hydrogen fuel, but because of its low density storage and handling could be a problem.
“Car pooling has been introduced in big cities in a bid to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. People going in one direction are travelling in the same vehicle. Instead of using private vehicles, public transport system should be encouraged,” Dr. Sajith said.
He pointed out that fossil fuels were fast depleting, pollution was increasing and the climate was changing fast. “Temperatures are fast increasing. We used to see golden flowers that marked the Vishu festival only in April. Now, the flower is seen in February itself.”
