Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will soon witness a demonstration of tractors and buses running on H2 fuel cell technology at Girgaum Chowpatty.
Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam on Wednesday said his department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jimpex Biotech, a company based out of Ahmedabad, which will supply the tractors and buses “that run on water”.
“We are taking a revolutionary step towards minimising pollution. We will soon have buses and tractors running on water. My department has signed an MoU with a company which will make this a reality. After introducing a plastic ban, we will successfully cut down on air pollution with these vehicles,” Mr. Kadam said.
The MoU says the H2 kit is free from hazardous emissions and there is no risk of damage to people, engines or any property by installing them. The technology combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, heat and water. The fuel cell will produce electricity as long as hydrogen is supplied, never losing its charge. The technology claims to produce no waste or hazardous products.
The Environment Department has also signed an MoU worth ₹6,000 crore with the same company to clean 22 rivers in the State. “Pollution in the State’s rivers needs to be tackled. After careful research, we have decided to appoint this company for the river cleaning programme,” Mr. Kadam said.
In the initial stage, a proposal to clean 11 rivers at a cost of ₹3,000 crore will be sent to Niti Aayog. “We expect to get the sanction for this after the model code of conduct for the elections is lifted,” the minister said.
