• 'EVs a potential game-changer for environment' in Kolkata
    Times of India | 2 January 2023
  • KOLKATA: More people might have been swayed by economic, rather than green concerns, while choosing an electric vehicle.

    The record rise in diesel and petrol forced motorists to opt for cheaper fuel. Moreover, the impending newer age limit on fossil-fuel vehicles also played a role in citizens looking for cleaner fuel, in order to gain longer shelf life," said Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).

    Whatever be the reason, both the transport department and environment department are pinning hope on EVs as a potential game-changer for the city's environment and climate resilience. "Zero-emission vehicles and solar-powered charging facilities will reduce the city's burden of particulate pollution," said WBPCB chairman Kalyan Rudra.

    "The drastic fall in diesel vehicles is very encouraging. Diesel is the dirtiest fuel, emitting as many as 24 carcinogens," said Debasis Basu, a preventive medicine specialist.

    Inadequate public charging infrastructure was again felt to be the biggest stumbling block for EV growth. There is hardly any information available on charging facilities for a would-be EV car-owner. TOI found out that there are nearly 100 charging stations in Kolkata, most of which are located in the eastern part of the city. "For a robust growth of the EV segment, there must be an equitable distribution of public charging stations across the city, much like the petrol pumps network," said Anirban Sen, an EV entrepreneur.
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