India can be model for global hydrogen fuel transition, says Union Minister Suresh Gopi

Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi stated on Tuesday that India is poised to become a model for the world in the transition to hydrogen fuel. Speaking at an event in Coimbatore, he highlighted the Global Green Hydrogen Leadership under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Inaugurating the Swachhta Pakhwada Campaign at Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Science, the Minister emphasised that citizens have a collective responsibility to use fossil fuels judiciously until the transition to hydrogen is achieved. He noted that logistics and infrastructure development must prioritise environmentally sustainable outcomes.

Until significant progress is made in adopting hydrogen as a fuel for economic growth, the Minister called on all stakeholders to mitigate the environmental impact of fossil fuels. The event was jointly organised by the college and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL).

Referring to the Swachhta Pakhwada, a fortnight-long cleanliness drive, the Minister described it as a period of immersion for year-long environmental protection activities. He underscored the necessity of public participation in remedial measures to compensate for environmental damage.

Mr. Suresh Gopi also exhorted every citizen to plant a tree and name it after their mother, fostering an emotional connection to ensure the saplings are nurtured responsibly.

Presiding over the event, Biju Gopinath, Executive Director (Pipelines) of BPCL, explained how the Swachhta Pakhwada Mission integrates civic sense with environmental sensitivity. The Minister was joined by College Principal B. L. Shivakumar, Chief Administrative Officer of SNR Sons Charitable Trust, and NSS Coordinator S. Pragatheeshwaran, and later planted a sapling on the premises.