Citizens’ Meeting Held in Guwahati Against Mandatory Implementation of E-20 Petrol; Memorandum Submitted to Governor
By Dalim Phukan
Guwahati/Assam Aug 31 : A significant citizens’ meeting was held yesterday on August 30, at Bishnu-Nirmala Bhawan (Town Hall), Latashil, Guwahati, under the initiative of the conscious citizens’ society of Guwahati, opposing the mandatory implementation of E-20 petrol.
A large number of people from various sections of society participated in the meeting and strongly opposed the directive making the use of E-20 petrol mandatory.
As per a resolution adopted at the meeting, a memorandum was submitted to the Hon’ble Governor of Assam, to be forwarded to the Prime Minister and the concerned departments of the Central Government.
Key Demands in the Memorandum:
1. No consumer should be forced to purchase or use E-20 petrol. Regular petrol should continue to remain readily available. Petrol pumps should provide separate options for ethanol-blended petrol and 100% petrol, allowing consumers to make their own choice. Clear display arrangements regarding the available options should be made mandatory at petrol pumps.
2. Ethanol-producing factories allegedly contribute significantly to pollution. The government should inform the public about the measures it has taken to address the environmental impact of ethanol production.
3. Large quantities of fresh water are reportedly used in the production of ethanol, resulting in water scarcity. The government should inform the public about the steps taken to address this issue.
4. The use of essential commodities such as sugarcane, rice and maize in ethanol production has allegedly contributed to a sharp rise in their prices. Necessary measures should be taken to control the price rise.
5. The mandatory implementation of E-20 petrol has allegedly caused extensive damage to many vehicles. The government should be held responsible for such losses. Therefore, the government should provide compensation to those affected and waive their bank loans/EMIs.
At yesterday’s meeting, members of the convening committee, including Dr. Bhaben Choudhury, Dr. Jonmoni Khaound, Arzu Amin, Mukul Dutta, Jayanta Saikia, Shilabhadra Dekaraja and Ballav Patra, along with Ramendra Barthakur, Anurupa Dekaraja, All Assam Drivers’ Association president Abdul Kadir, advocate Ananya Saikia and others, addressed the gathering.
