Min orders stricter rules for biodiesel manufacturing in Raj

The rural development minister, Kirori Lal Meena, instructed the Biofuel Authority to amend the Rajasthan Biofuel Rules-2019 to include provisions for punitive action against manufacturers and retailers of adulterated biodiesel (B-100) in the state. The rural development department is looking at options to revise the existing rules and introduce legislation to curb biofuel adulteration in the state, according to a senior official of the rural development department. The minister directed the officials to formulate effective rules at a competent level.

Meena gave these directions during a meeting to discuss the works conducted by Mission Green Rajasthan, Biofuel Authority, Barren Land and Pasture Development Board, and Aravali (Association for Rural Advancement through Voluntary Action and Local Involvement).

Additionally, Meena directed the preparation of district-wise action plans to make barren lands green and increase the income of rural communities by planting non-edible oil plants like Jatropha and Pongamia. He emphasised organising a meeting of Biofuel Authority and Barren Land and Pasture Development Board to determine future action plans.

He said that under the tree plantation mega campaign in Rajasthan, the target is to plant 10 crore trees across the state by 2025-26, with the rural development department, Panchayati Raj department, and watershed development and soil conservation department jointly allocated a target of planting 2 crore trees.

So far, 1.9 crore trees were planted by over 50 departments, with Mahatma Gandhi NREGA, rural development, and Panchayati Raj department leading by planting approximately 70 lakh trees.

This article has been republished from The Times of India.