Dr. Pawan Goenka, Executive Director, Mahindra & Mahindra, has suggested that implementation of biogas projects in Punjab farms could significantly lessen air pollution in Delhi. The city of Delhi is at present going through one of the worst times in terms of rising air pollution.

During an exclusive interview with The Machinist magazine, Dr. Goenka gave the example of a research work undertaken at Mahindra Research Valley (Chennai) to explain a way of tackling at least one key air pollutant. He pointed out that Punjab farmers usually burn husk in their farms and this smoke is carried by wind to the city of Delhi adding to its air pollution woes.

"If this husk is used in creating bio CNG then a major cause for Delhi air pollution problem can be tackled. Agricultural waste can be used to generate bio CNG, which in turn can be used to fuel farm vehicles. The same vehicles can be used to collect more waste and this waste can further generate more fuel. It would be a virtuous cycle. We consider this to be a fairly clean and cost effective way of creating energy and helping keep the environment clean as well as pollution free," he said.

Of course, there are multiple causes for Delhi air pollution and Dr. Goenka has suggested a sustainable method for tackling what he thinks is a major air pollutant for Delhi. He was speaking in the larger context of what Mahindra is doing to make advanced technology accessible to millions of India's farmers. For the complete interview, check our November 2016 issue.

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