Prime Minister Narendra Modi has flagged off first prototype electric bus for Members of Parliament. Modi handed over the key of lithium-ion-powered battery bus to Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan at a function in Parliament House. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister said battery powered bus is another initiative of government’s Make in India campaign. He said the negative impact of environment is felt across the globe.

Modi said during the recently held COP21 Summit in Paris, the countries have taken initiatives to reduce the dependence on fossil fuel energy. He said in the summit 122 nations came together to form a group to work for solar energy with its headquarters in India. Speaking on the occasion, Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said lithium battery used in this bus has been developed by the ISRO and is very economical.

Did You Know???

• Cars and trucks produce air pollution throughout their life, including pollution emitted during vehicle operation, refueling, manufacturing, and disposal. Additional emissions are associated with the refining and distribution of vehicle fuel.
• Poor air quality increases respiratory ailments like asthma and bronchitis, heightens the risk of life-threatening conditions like cancer, and burdens our health care system with substantial medical costs.
• Particulate matter alone is responsible for up to 30,000 premature deaths each year.